spitzer_ssc2017-06a May 11th, 2017
Credit: NASA/GSFC
A study combining observations from NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes reveals that the distant planet HAT-P-26b has a primitive atmosphere composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. Located about 437 light years away, HAT-P-26b orbits a star roughly twice as old as the sun.
The analysis is one of the most detailed studies to date of a "warm Neptune," or a planet that is Neptune-sized and close to its star. The researchers determined that HAT-P-26b's atmosphere is relatively clear of clouds and has a strong water signature, although the planet is not a water world. This is the best measurement of water to date on an exoplanet of this size.
Provider: Spitzer Space Telescope
Image Source: http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/images/6376-ssc2017-06a-Warm-Neptune-HAT-P-26b
Curator: Spitzer Space Telescope, Pasadena, CA, USA
Detailed color mapping information coming soon...
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