This is an image of a Jupiter-sized planet just detected that is a million times farther away from us than is Jupiter. It is so far away that the sun it orbits cannot be seen by the naked eye on Earth. Scientists are able to gather enough data from the infr-red image they get to determine elements of its atmosphere. The hope is we can advance the technology that enables us to peer so far into the cosmic gloom to be able to detect smaller, rockier planets that may support life.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Light from Afar
This is an image of a Jupiter-sized planet just detected that is a million times farther away from us than is Jupiter. It is so far away that the sun it orbits cannot be seen by the naked eye on Earth. Scientists are able to gather enough data from the infr-red image they get to determine elements of its atmosphere. The hope is we can advance the technology that enables us to peer so far into the cosmic gloom to be able to detect smaller, rockier planets that may support life.
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The hope is we can advance the technology that enables us to peer so far into the cosmic gloom to be able to detect smaller, rockier planets that may support life.
How amazing would that be?!
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