NASA probe uncovers clouds on extrasolar planet

Using data from Kepler and Spitzer space telescopes, astronomers have mapped the first extrasolar planet discoveries clouds. According to NASA, this technique can be applied in the search for planets similar to Earth.

The analysis of the data collected by Kepler allowed look at planets outside our solar system. The map shows clouds in the exo-planet Kepler-7b, one of the first five planets discovered by the unmanned probe. The planet in question is classified as "Hot Jupiter" â€" has 1.5 times the size of Jupiter, less than half of its mass and a very low gravity. Some scientists describe as "bloated".

The estimated temperature of Kepler-7b is between 2,700 and 3,300 ºc ºc-what is relatively cold for a planet so close to their star. The data indicate that its light creates clouds high in the Western hemisphere.

"Kepler-7b reflects more light than the giant planets that we have found, that we attach to the clouds in the upper atmosphere," said Thomas Barclay, Kepler scientist. "Unlike the Earth, the patterns of clouds on the planet doesn't seem to change much over time â€" the climate is quite stable."

Kepler discovered this exo-planet to measure the light intensity of stars as possible planets pass in front of you â€" sudden depressions indicating the possible presence of a planet. However, through detailed study of the planet's light curve to go through different phases, like the Moon, the resolution of the probe was a bright spot on a map of the planet. Unfortunately, he couldn't figure out if it was reflected light or a hot spot.

It was here that went into action the Spitzer. This NASA space telescope works in more different wavelengths than Kepler, which allows you to eliminate Gizmag explains alternatives.

"When we look at this planet with Spitzer and Kepler during more than three years, we were able to produce a map with very low resolution of this giant gaseous planet," said Brice-Olivier Demory, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge. "We didn't expect to see oceans or continents in this kind of world, but we have detected a clear and reflexive signature that we interpret as clouds."

If You Enjoyed This, Take 5 Seconds To Share It

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• StumbleUpon
• Digg
• Delicious
• LinkedIn
• Reddit
• Technorati