Beta Pictoris B rotates at a significant speed, with an equatorial rotation velocity measured at approximately 19.9 ± 1.0 kilometers per second (km/s). This makes it one of the fastest spinning exoplanets discovered.
Understanding Beta Pictoris B's Rotation
The equatorial rotation velocity refers to the speed at which a point on the planet's equator is moving due to its spin. For Beta Pictoris B, this rapid spin results in a remarkably short day.
- Rotation Period: Despite its large size, Beta Pictoris B completes one full rotation on its axis in a mere 8.7 ± 0.8 hours. To put this into perspective, a full day on this gas giant is less than half the length of an Earth day.
This combination of large size and rapid rotation contributes to its unique characteristics as a young, massive exoplanet.
Key Characteristics of Beta Pictoris B
Beta Pictoris B is a fascinating exoplanet, a gas giant orbiting the young star Beta Pictoris. Its properties highlight its massive and dynamically active nature.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Mean Radius | 1.46 ± 0.01 Jupiter Radii (R J) |
| Mass | 11.729 (+2.337 / -2.135) Jupiter Masses (M J) |
| Synodic Rotation Period | 8.7 ± 0.8 hours |
| Equatorial Rotation Velocity | 19.9 ± 1.0 km/s |
These measurements provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of gas giant planets outside our solar system. Its substantial mass places it in the super-Jupiter or brown dwarf transition range, making its rapid rotation an important factor in understanding its atmospheric dynamics and internal structure.
