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
- funkyflurryover 13 yearsSO COOL i wish i could live there
- Alli Garredover 13 yearsawesome
- Jacob Masseyover 13 yearslike on the planet
- Jacob Masseyover 13 yearsis there any aliens on it? Weird!
- Mrs. Manessover 13 yearsMy class has a few comments and questions they would like to add. 1) We think the planet is so cool because it is so hot and it has just been discovered! 2) We love all the cool designs and details!! Why is it so dark? 3) How did the planet get its name? 4) Does the new planet orbit or rotate? 5) Why is the planet nick named the dark alien planet? 6) Any signs of living things? 7) Does it have anything orbiting it? My class realized that science is always discovering new things each day! We love science!!!
- Nickover 13 yearsSoweet I wonder what lives their
- juanesover 13 yearsfinally i could go back to my planet
- matthewover 13 yearssweet that so awsome et probally lives on that planet!!!!!!!
- LOL51over 13 yearsCOLLEO
- Aceover 13 yearsWicked