Steaming Hot Planet
Ssc2007 12b

Credit: ESA - C. Carreau

Artwork • July 11th, 2007 • ssc2007-12b

ssc2007-12b

Scientists have reported the first conclusive discovery of water vapor in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, or a planet beyond our Solar System.

This artist's impression shows a gas-giant exoplanet transiting across the face of its star. Infrared analysis by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope of this type of system provided the breakthrough.

The planet, HD 189733b, lies 63 light-years away in the constellation Vulpecula. It was discovered in 2005 as it transited its parent star, dimming the star's light by some three percent.

About the Object

Name
HD 189733b
Type
Planet > Special Cases > Transiting
Planet > Special Cases > Hot Jupiter
Planet > Type > Gas Giant
Distance
63 Light Years