NASA's Kepler Spacecraft Discovers Dark Alien Planet
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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.
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
- Isukover 13 yearscool i wish i could go there
- scottdtover 13 yearsme to buut ther's no oxygen there isuk
- ryanover 13 yearscool
- scottdtover 13 yearsnice
- leeover 13 yearshow dark is it ?
- scottdtover 13 yearsit's darker than cole!
- leeover 13 yearsdose sunlight pass through
- scottdtover 13 yearsno it doesn't
- maet manover 13 yearssup
- stinky almost 14 yearsi wish i could live there
- Tyleralmost 14 yearsawesome awesome awesome awesome awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Jayna:)almost 14 yearsInteresting......
- hialmost 14 yearsThat's scaaaaarrrrrrrryyyyy!!
- funkyflurryalmost 14 yearsI come in peace from the planet TrES-2b