Steaming Hot Planet
Ssc2007 12c

Credit: ESA - C. Carreau

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

ssc2007-12c

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 an infrared view of a gas-giant exoplanet transiting across the face of its star. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope observed this type of system in infrared light, providing 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 > Type > Gas Giant
Planet > Special Cases > Transiting
Planet > Special Cases > Hot Jupiter
Distance
63 Light Years