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
  • Mekalaover 13 years
    WOW! That is ASOME!
    • Mekalaover 13 years
      It is so cool! I wonder if there are aliens on it ? I bet they find out.
      • Riyaover 13 years
        This is so CCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
        • Riyaover 13 years
          I think this article is terific ! I'm looking forward to find out why TrES/2b is so dark
          • Riyaover 13 years
            I think this article is terific! I'm looking forward to find out why the Alien Planet is so black.
            • vooooover 13 years
              cool like me
              • loopover 13 years
                woooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                • seen italmost 14 years
                  i us this girl
                  • seen italmost 14 years
                    i us the pink haired girl more but this is about aliens
                    • maxalmost 14 years
                      awesome alians are alive