As astronomers look far into the night sky with ever-increasing capabilities, the universe reveals some very bizarre places.  

Take the case of planet HD189733B.  Oh, the naming art of astronomers!    

It’s been extensively studied by a slew of different instruments and what we’ve learned is simply awesome.  

This planet is an extra-hot gas giant orbiting so close to its tempestuous parent star that flare-ups from the star are like mega blast furnaces torching the daytime side of the planet, which generate blistering winds of over five thousand miles per hour. 
That’s seven times the speed of sound.

So much atmosphere is incinerated that a long, comet-like tail has been detected stretching far away into space.  

Planets like this one, orbiting so close to their host star, moving so swiftly, and burning so hot have a special name for their orbits.  Are you ready?    “Torch orbits.”  That’s right, Torch orbits.  Now that’s a name we love.

Good job astronomers.  
________________________________
Recorded at Jacksonville University
Eddie Whisler | Story & Voice
Greg Minton | Audio Engineer
Tony Steve | Music
Andy Ouellette | Producer & Editor
David Smith | Logo Design
Brett Jacobs | Program Title: Above and Beyond

#085 | Torch Orbits | Aired 1-8-21 on WJCT FM 89.9 Jacksonville Florida

Above and Beyond... brings the universe to you, 90 seconds at a time.

Eddie Whisler, Director of the Bryan Gooding Planetarium at Jacksonville's Museum of Science & History brings you above and beyond Jacksonville's night sky to share the wonders of the universe.

Produced by Jacksonville University's The Science Of... in collaboration with the Museum of Science and History and WJCT Public Media. 

Aired on WJCT FM 89.9 during Science Friday and Radiolab.

Recorded at Jacksonville University
Eddie Whisler | Story & Voice
Greg Minton | Audio Engineer
Tony Steve | Music
Andy Ouellette | Producer & Editor
David Smith | Logo Design
Bryan Gros | Space Images
Brett Jacobs | Named "Above and Beyond"
Janel Palomo | General Assistant 2019/2020