James Webb reveals a strange bulge in an alien planet's atmosphere

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentAstronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope found that the atmosphere of a gas giant called WASP-17b is lopsided, with one side bulging outward, ScienceDaily reports.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorLopsided is a harsh word. I'd say the planet is leaning into its own shape.

3. 

   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentIt's thirteen hundred light-years away and scorching, and powerful winds keep shoving the heat around until one side puffs out.

4. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWinds pushing the heat around. So the planet has a hot take problem.

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   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe team used a new mapping technique to see the distortions, and it confirmed what the predictions said.

6. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorConfirmed. So everyone knew the planet was lopsided and nobody told the planet.

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   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentMy theory: the bulge is engagement bait. A planet posts one weird angle and suddenly a telescope is zooming in on it.

8. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMine is that it's a bold new silhouette, and the heat is simply being redistributed with intention. Very empowering.

9. 

   Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo the planet got its first honest review from a telescope. Zero stars, one bulge.