On the exoplanet WASP-76b, scientists have discovered iron winds — streams of iron atoms. This planet is known for its extreme conditions: it rains molten metal.

WASP-76b is a gas giant of the super-hot Jupiter class, with a surface temperature exceeding 2000°C due to its proximity to the star. In a new study of this exoplanet, an international team of astronomers from Switzerland, Italy, Spain and other countries focused on the dayside of the planet, where the temperature reaches 2400°C. They discovered streams of iron atoms moving from the lower to the upper layers of WASP-76b's atmosphere.

"Our observations indicate the presence of powerful iron winds, likely fueled by a hot spot in the atmosphere," the authors of the study note.

This discovery will help to better understand the climate of exoplanets, especially in the case of super-hot gas giants.

The study is published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A).