Peering Inside WASP-43b: Exploring Tidal Decay and Orbital Evolution

Researchers studied the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-43b using data from HARPS, JWST, and other sources, detecting tidal decay and apsidal precession for the first time in an exoplanet system. These phenomena reveal strong gravitational interactions with its host star but raise unanswered questions about the planet's unique dynamics. The findings provide critical insights into the internal structure and evolution of hot Jupiters.