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Planet Heats Up Own Sun

Astronomers at the University of British Columbia in Canada have reported discovery of a large planet 90 light-years away, which is heating the star it orbits around.

Studies by the team show that the planet's magnetic field is producing hot spots on its sun.

The planet is 270 times larger than the Earth, nearly the size of Jupiter, and orbits the star HD179949, which is very similar to our Sun. Circling closely to its sun, the planet completes an orbit every 3 days.

The scientific team said that hot spots on the sun are caused by the planet's magnetic field transferring energy to the sun's photosphere, resulting in bright ultraviolet patches. Scientists estimate that the effect raises the temperature of the sun's gaseous layer by 750 degrees.

In comparison, the star's gaseous layer is normally at 14,000 degrees, and the planet itself has a surface temperature of 2,700 degrees.