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
  • Fooficaalmost 14 years
    Omg i love allians and NASA
    • creepy :)almost 14 years
      thats kool and aswome
      • Anna simsinalmost 14 years
        Its so cool that they found a new planet and maybe this planet will have aliens that will teach use how to bulid new things.
        • babyface123
          babyface123almost 14 years
          omg that is soo cool and planet new is pretty
          • Answereralmost 14 years
            I'm worried.... Maybe people lived there somehow and then they polluted it and then they left or DIED? Maybe Earth could look like that in the FUTURE?!?! That's a very scary thought..... I <3 tornado's.
            • ETalmost 14 years
              NASA FIND ET HOME. I PHONE HOME! lol that's crazy though!
              • wow. its ver y creepyalmost 14 years
                wow its very creepy
                • john
                  johnalmost 14 years
                  Wow!
                  • Faithalmost 14 years
                    This is scary weird:)(!
                    • Sunnyalmost 14 years
                      hay I love this new planet