Atmospheres on Alien Worlds

Using the Spitzer Space Telescope, astronomers have for the first time discovered what the atmosphere is like on planets outside our solar system! Drs. Sara Seager and David Charbonneau discuss this groundbreaking technique with Robert Hurt.
Browse Videos in Audio Podcasts
![]() 10.03.07 Building an Earth?An infant Earth may be forming in a star system over 400 light-years away, according to new results from the Spitzer ... |
![]() 09.12.07 Neon Signs in SpaceA recent detection of neon gas in planet-forming disks may help us better understand how planets form and whether or ... |
![]() 08.16.07 Putting the Brakes on Star FormationSpitzer learns why one class of galaxy seems to have trouble forming new stars. |
![]() 08.10.07 Planets with Four Suns?New results from the Spitzer Space Telescope hint that other solar systems may be even more exotic than we've ever im... |
![]() 05.14.07 A Tale of Two Worlds -- One Hot, One WindyAstronomers have studied two very intriguing planets beyond our solar system -- one super hot, one super windy. This ... |
![]() 03.29.07 Double Sunsets in Distant SkiesOnce thought to be the stuff of science fiction, double sunsets may be much more common in the universe than previous... |
![]() 02.21.07 Hunting for Molecules on Faraway PlanetsA first from the Spitzer Space Telescope. A new finding is a stepping stone to eventually studying signs of life on w... |
![]() 02.21.07 Atmospheres on Alien WorldsUsing the Spitzer Space Telescope, astronomers have for the first time discovered what the atmosphere is like on plan... |
![]() 01.09.07 Pillars of DestructionHubble's "Pillars of Creation" within the Eagle Nebula is one of the most famous astronomical images of all time. But... |
![]() 12.18.06 Spitzer Sees the LightIn the beginning there was darkness...but now, Spitzer Scientists say they are seeing the universe's first light. |
![]() 12.05.06 Wounded Comet Spills Secrets About Distant Solar SystemsCould Comet Tempel 1 provide the key to understanding solar systems beyond our own? Dr. Carey Lisse talks with Linda ... |
![]() 09.27.06 A Galactic Soap OperaOur story begins in the deep, dark universe, where galaxies, like people, lead fascinating lives, filled with drama. ... |
![]() 09.08.06 Cosmic Disk Brakes for Spinning StarsCan planet-forming disks put the brakes on spinning stars? Dr. Luisa Rebull discusses Spitzer results that may solve ... |
![]() 08.14.06 Piercing the Sword of OrionAstronomers have long scrutinized the vast and layered clouds of the Orion nebula, an industrious star-making factory... |
![]() 06.23.06 Last of the Great ObservatoriesYears before Spitzer was launched into space, the entire mission was cancelled! Dr. George Rieke discusses the incred... |
![]() 06.05.06 Unmarked Grave of a Dead StarSpitzer has found a supernova remnant that no other telescope has seen. Dr. Patrick Morris discusses his team's disco... |
![]() 05.11.06 Searching for Solar Systems Like OursAre solar systems like our own common in the universe, or is ours an oddball? Dr. Lynne Hillenbrand discusses her wor... |
![]() 04.05.06 Spitzer Finds Hints of Planet Birth Around Dead StarNASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has uncovered new evidence that planets might rise up out of a dead star's ashes. (JP... |
![]() 04.05.06 Phoenix Rising from a Supernova's AshesA supernova may be the ultimate end of a star's life, but this may not be the story's end. Recent Spitzer results hin... |
![]() 03.16.06 Seeing Smoke from a Galactic FireMichelle Thaller speaks with Dr. George Helou about a striking new image of Galaxy M82, the discovery of mysterious o... |