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Astronomy

The Thermal Emission and Phase Curves of Hot Jupiters

Quick fact

Hot Jupiters, like HD 189733b, can show temperature differences of over 1,000 °C between their permanent day and night sides, yet some manage to distribute heat surprisingly efficiently. A single observation of a planet's light as it orbits—its phase curve—can reveal this temperature map.

Why this is interesting

We all know the Moon has a dark side, but imagine an entire planet where one side is always scorching and the other always freezing. How would we ever know what that looks like from light-years away?