How Fast Does Beta Pictoris b Spin?

[CygnusX-1]

by Jacob Aron

Do you feel there is never enough time in a day? Then don't move to Beta Pictoris b. A day on this fast-paced exoplanet lasts just 8 hours, making it a poor choice for the temporally challenged.

Link: New Scientist

 

[SteamKing]

by Jacob Aron

Do you feel there is never enough time in a day? Then don't move to Beta Pictoris b. A day on this fast-paced exoplanet lasts just 8 hours, making it a poor choice for the temporally challenged.

Link: New Scientist

What's the news here? Jupiter, in our own solar system, has a day equal to just under 10 hours.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter

 

[CygnusX-1]

The news is twofold:

First, this is the first time astronomers have measured an extrasolar planet's rotation.

Second, the planet spins faster than any in our solar system. Jupiter, the Sun's fastest-spinning planet, rotates once every 9 hours, 55 minutes.