"Super-Earth" exoplanet has hazy or steamy atmosphere
Posted: Thu, Dec 2, 2010, 6:38 AM ET (1138 GMT)
Astronomers performing the first study of the composition of the atmosphere of a "super-Earth" exoplanet believe that world's atmosphere is either hazy or mostly compromised of steam. Researchers analyzed the atmosphere of the planet GJ 1214b, about 6.5 times the mass of the Earth, by measuring light from its star as the planet transited across it and determining what wavelengths were absorbed by the atmosphere. The results, scientists, said, were consistent with two possibilities: the planet has an atmosphere of hydrogen with high clouds or haze, or one that consists of water in the form of steam. Followup observations at infrared wavelengths are required to differentiate between the two.
Astronomers performing the first study of the composition of the atmosphere of a "super-Earth" exoplanet believe that world's atmosphere is either hazy or mostly compromised of steam. Researchers analyzed the atmosphere of the planet GJ 1214b, about 6.5 times the mass of the Earth, by measuring light from its star as the planet transited across it and determining what wavelengths were absorbed by the atmosphere. The results, scientists, said, were consistent with two possibilities: the planet has an atmosphere of hydrogen with high clouds or haze, or one that consists of water in the form of steam. Followup observations at infrared wavelengths are required to differentiate between the two.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Monday, April 6
Space Command headquarters to move 200 employees to Alabama this year, lawsuit bristles
Colorado Springs Gazette — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) As Rocket Launches Increase, They May Be Polluting the Skies
Undark — 5:49 am ET (0949 GMT) SpaceX Rocket Launch Attempt Scrubbed, Team to Retry Monday
Noozhawk — 5:46 am ET (0946 GMT) SpaceX Heralds New Era of Mega IPOs. Buyers Beware
Bloomberg News — 5:46 am ET (0946 GMT) What’s the Point of Sending People Into Space? An Astronaut, Scientist and Journalist Debate.
New York Times — 5:45 am ET (0945 GMT) |
