Water Identified in Extrasolar Planet Atmosphere

ToSeek · #1 (**permalink**) 10-April-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

For the first time, water has been identified in the atmosphere of an extrasolar planet. Through a combination of previously published Hubble Space Telescope measurements and new theoretical models, Lowell Observatory astronomer Travis Barman has found strong evidence for water absorption in the atmosphere of transiting planet HD209458b. This result was recently accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal (http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/0704.1114).

George · #2 (**permalink**) 11-April-2007, 03:46 AM

I am pleased that Lowell Observatory was first (this time without canals).

I would have thought, however, it was too hot an atmosphere.

A.DIM · #3 (**permalink**) 11-April-2007, 01:10 PM

Of course, most of what we have assumed about planets in and out of our system has been wrong.

But this planet apparently has carbon, oxygen and water...

Doodler · #4 (**permalink**) 12-April-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.DIM

Of course, most of what we have assumed about planets in and out of our system has been wrong.

But this planet apparently has carbon, oxygen and water...

On a planet of comparable size to Jupiter with daylight temperatures up in blast furnace territory.

01101001 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-July-2007, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToSeek

Water Identified in Extrasolar Planet Atmosphere

NASA JPL press release: NASA's Spitzer Finds Water Vapor on Hot, Alien Planet

Quote:

A scorching-hot gas planet beyond our solar system is steaming up with water vapor, according to new observations from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.

The planet, called HD 189733b, swelters as it zips closely around its star every two days or so. Astronomers had predicted that planets of this class, termed "hot Jupiters," would contain water vapor in their atmospheres. Yet finding solid evidence for this has been slippery. These latest data are the most convincing yet that hot Jupiters are "wet."

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Furthest Extrasolar Planet Discovered	Fraser	Universe Today Story Comments	0	16-September-2005 04:48 AM
Smallest Extrasolar Planet Found	Fraser	Universe Today Story Comments	0	10-September-2005 12:21 PM
Where are the Aliens or how did we got stuck HERE?	cyber_indian	Against the Mainstream	0	03-June-2005 02:21 AM
Planet X / Niburu Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)	Comixx	Against the Mainstream	49	16-June-2003 06:09 AM
Water found in atmospheres of extrasolar planets	Rodina	Astronomy	4	21-September-2002 02:55 AM