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First Reflected Light From an Exoplanet Seen

Posted by Zonk on from the someone-has-a-really-big-mirror dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "European astronomers have for the first time ever been able to detect and monitor the visible light that is scattered in the atmosphere of an exoplanet. Designated HD 189733b, also known as a 'hot Jupiter,' orbits a star slightly cooler and less massive than the Sun about 60 light-years from Earth. According to a Zurich news release, 'Polarization technique focuses limelight,' the researchers used 'techniques similar to how Polaroid sunglasses filter away reflected sunlight to reduce glare. They also directly traced the orbit of the planet, a feat of visualization not possible using indirect methods.' The team thinks that their findings are opening new opportunities for exploring physical conditions on exoplanets."

4 of 72 comments (clear)

  1. you dont want to know. by User+956 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Designated HD 189733b, also known as a 'hot Jupiter,'

    I've given my girlfriend a "hot Jupiter" before, but I didn't know it had an official scientific serial number.

    --
    The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
    1. Re:you dont want to know. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      I think you missed by two planets

  2. Re:If only... by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mirror of image here: o.

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
  3. Exoplanet by blue+l0g1c · · Score: 4, Funny

    Dear scientists, thank you for finding me.

    XO -planet