'Hot Jupiter' winds blasting at over 15,000 mph reveal 1st evidence of exoplanets with magnetic fields

Astronomers have discovered the first evidence of magnetic fields around planets beyond the solar system, and they did so by studying the worlds' high-speed, violent winds. This marks the first direct measurement of exoplanet magnetic field strength, and represents a major step forward in exoplanet research. Because life on Earth was made possible thanks to our planet's magnetosphere protecting it from harmful solar radiation, the research could also be beneficial to the hunt for life beyond the solar system . Using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the Gemini North telescope, the team behind this discovery measured the speed of winds of seven extremely hot Jupiter-like gas giant exoplanets that are tidally locked to their stars, meaning they have a permanently raging hot "dayside" and a cooler, space-facing "nightside." The team found winds racing at speeds of between 4,470 miles per hour (7,194 kilometers per hour) and a staggering 15,530 mph (24,993 kph). For comparison, the fastest winds recorded on our solar system's Jupiter reached only around 930 mph (1,496 kph). The scientists think it is the magnetic fields of these exoplanets that are governing these winds. This illustration shows magnetic activity in an exoplanet. (Image credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser, L. Calçada) Astronomers have discovered the first evidence of magnetic fields around planets beyond the solar system, and they did so by studying the worlds' high-speed, violent winds. …