Meet CoRoT-4 b, a sizzling gas giant orbiting the star CoRoT-4, discovered back in 2008 thanks to the keen watch of the CoRoT space telescope. This world loves a close dance with its star, completing orbits super quickly compared to Earth’s leisurely year. Because it was spotted using the transit method—where the planet winks at us by passing in front of its star—astronomers got a glimpse of its size and orbit without leaving their chairs. CoRoT-4 b is a hot Jupiter, meaning it’s a big, puffy planet made mostly of gas, roasting under the glow of its star. Though it doesn’t have a proper name yet, this space-faring giant offers a fantastic peek at the wild diversity of planets beyond our solar system!
