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Exoplanet HD 189733b

author: ESA/Nasa/Novapix

reference: a-exo99-00622

Image Size 300 DPI: 27 * 19 cm

This is an artist's impression of the Jupiter-size extrasolar planet, HD 189733b, being eclipsed by its parent star. Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have measured carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the planet's atmosphere. The planet is a "hot Jupiter," which is so close to its star that it completes an orbit in only 2.2 days. The planet is too hot for life as we know it. But under the right conditions, on a more Earth-like world, carbon dioxide can indicate the presence of extraterrestrial life. This observation demonstrates that chemical biotracers can be detected by space telescope observations.

Keywords for this photo:

2008 - ASTRONOMY - EXOPLANET - EXTRASOLAR PLANET - HD 189733 - HD 189733b - HOT JUPITER - ILLUSTRATION - PLANET - STAR - TRANSIT - VULPECULA -