Astronomers determine color of exoplanet
Posted: Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 8:24 AM ET (1224 GMT)
Astronomers for the first time have measured the color of an extrasolar planet, finding that it is a primarily blue world but for reasons very unlike Earth. Astronomers used the Hubble Space Telescope to take spectra of the exoplanet HD 189733b as it passed behind its star. Astronomers noticed a slight decrease in blue light when the planet was hidden from view, but no significant change in green or red light. Astronomers conclude that the planet is predominantly blue in color. The planet is a hot Jupiter, and that blue color likely comes from silicate particles in clouds in its upper atmosphere that preferentially scatter blue light.
Astronomers for the first time have measured the color of an extrasolar planet, finding that it is a primarily blue world but for reasons very unlike Earth. Astronomers used the Hubble Space Telescope to take spectra of the exoplanet HD 189733b as it passed behind its star. Astronomers noticed a slight decrease in blue light when the planet was hidden from view, but no significant change in green or red light. Astronomers conclude that the planet is predominantly blue in color. The planet is a hot Jupiter, and that blue color likely comes from silicate particles in clouds in its upper atmosphere that preferentially scatter blue light.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Report outlines cost growth in canceled NASA exploration programs
Posted: Sat, Jun 27 11:14 AM ET (1514 GMT) Perseverance Mars rover finds more potential biosignatures
Posted: Sat, Jun 27 11:12 AM ET (1512 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, June 27
Cosmic Storms Shaped the First Stars in the Universe
Academia Sinica — 8:32 pm ET (0032 GMT) PLD Space strengthens its Board of Directors with the appointment of Hilario Albarracín
PLD Space — 8:31 pm ET (0031 GMT) Neo Space Group Announces Dr. Abdullah Aljohani as Chief Technology and Operations Officer
Neo Space Group — 8:31 pm ET (0031 GMT) RAS Fellow awarded 2026 Carl Sagan Medal
Royal Astronomical Society — 8:29 pm ET (0029 GMT) Bow-and-arrow-shaped radio galaxy discovered by citizen scientist
Royal Astronomical Society — 8:29 pm ET (0029 GMT) |
