NASA's Kepler Spacecraft Discovers Dark Alien Planet

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NASA’s Kepler Spacecraft ( Photo Credit : NASA.gov)

Launched by NASA in 2009, the Kepler Spacecraft's primary mission is to scout the Milky Way galaxy for planets similar to ours. Besides finding some interesting prospects, the spacecraft has also been able to detect a few other interesting celestial objects. However, few are as intriguing as its latest find - A mysterious dark alien planet that NASA scientists call TrES-2b.

Artist’s conception of exoplanet TrES-2b (Photo Credit: David A. Aguilar via Wikimedia Commons)

Lurking some 750 million light-years away from Earth, the planet, estimated to be the same size as Jupiter is so dark that NASA scientists are describing it as 'blacker than coal' or considerably less reflective than the darkest acrylic paint!

The only light that emanates from the TrES-2b is a faint red glow, similar to the coils on an electric stove. Researchers believe this is thanks to its scorching atmosphere which they estimate is as high as 1,800°F (980°C), thanks to its proximity to its sun.So how does this planet manage to absorb about 99% of the light it receives from its sun? While researchers are not sure, they believe it could be because its atmosphere comprises of light-absorbing chemicals like vaporized sodium and potassium or maybe even some chemical that we don't know exists.

While they may never be able to tell exactly how the planet remains so stealthily hidden, the NASA scientists are sure of one thing - There are many more even darker worlds out there just waiting to be discovered!

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458 Comments
  • super_jeep
    super_jeepover 11 years
    why no video?
    • Someonealmost 12 years
      That is really interesting
      • avater manalmost 12 years
        lol
        • nobodyalmost 12 years
          i knew they were real
          • candykat13
            candykat13about 12 years
            though is article is kinda weird.
            • Outcast-Emoabout 12 years
              dark and sullen like me...ha..
              • yennie
                yennieabout 12 years
                uh huh... right after i believe in monstars under my bed. -.-
                • Martianover 12 years
                  It seems familiar............
                  • the cougeralmost 13 years
                    OK theirs an big alien planet the size of Jupiter and theirs aliens on it or something? YEAH RIGHT!!!
                    • the cougeralmost 13 years
                      OK theirs some kind of alien planet in the galaxy yeah RIGHT!!!!