Spitzer detects light from exoplanets
Posted: Tue, Mar 22, 2005, 6:59 PM ET (2359 GMT)
Astronomers announced Tuesday that they have seen for the first time light coming directly from two extrasolar planets. In separate studies, astronomers reported that they were able to detect infrared light from two exoplanets, HD 209458b and TrES-1, using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, a space-based infrared observatory. They were able to distinguish the light coming from the exoplanets from that coming from their parent stars by observing the solar systems both when the planet and star were visible, and also when the planet's orbit took it behind the star, allowing them to subtract out the light of the star alone in order to detect the planet's own infrared emissions. The observation showed that the two exoplanets, both "hot Jupiter" gas giants that orbit very close to their stars, have atmospheric temperatures of at least 1,000 kelvins. Future observations should allow scientists to be able to study the composition and dynamics of the exoplanets' atmospheres.
Astronomers announced Tuesday that they have seen for the first time light coming directly from two extrasolar planets. In separate studies, astronomers reported that they were able to detect infrared light from two exoplanets, HD 209458b and TrES-1, using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, a space-based infrared observatory. They were able to distinguish the light coming from the exoplanets from that coming from their parent stars by observing the solar systems both when the planet and star were visible, and also when the planet's orbit took it behind the star, allowing them to subtract out the light of the star alone in order to detect the planet's own infrared emissions. The observation showed that the two exoplanets, both "hot Jupiter" gas giants that orbit very close to their stars, have atmospheric temperatures of at least 1,000 kelvins. Future observations should allow scientists to be able to study the composition and dynamics of the exoplanets' atmospheres.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
California commission votes against increase in SpaceX Vandenberg launches
Posted: Sun, Aug 17 11:32 AM ET (1532 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, August 20
SpaceX says states should dump fiber plans, give all grant money to Starlink
Ars Technica — 7:01 am ET (1101 GMT) Alaska Airlines selects Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, to launch new era of connectivity
PR Newswire — 6:59 am ET (1059 GMT) Space Force stands up third ‘system delta’ acquisition unit, plans to activate five more in 2025
Defensescoop — 6:59 am ET (1059 GMT) Space Force Unveils New Dress and Appearance Policy as It Preps for Fresh Uniforms
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 6:57 am ET (1057 GMT) Space Force Demonstrates New Protected Tactical Waveform
Aviation Week — 6:57 am ET (1057 GMT) |
