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
  • madhu123over 9 years
    This article is great
    • Scientist123over 9 years
      This article is informational and cool! I wonder if they discover any other planets.
      • freddalmost 10 years
        area 51 has real aliens they just don't let people see them and there technology is more advent than ours so if they did want to cause war they would have all reedy destroyed us. just hope there are no evil aliens. lol i am not joking if you think i am.
        • genius1326
          genius1326almost 10 years
          You think they'll come and zap us? ;D
          • bombabout 10 years
            it was great!!!!!!!!
            • clash beastabout 10 years
              Don't think it's true
              • super_jeep
                super_jeepabout 10 years
                that has gone almost then thousand light years!
                • cover 10 years
                  sup
                  • ghostriderover 10 years
                    awesome
                    • ghostriderover 10 years
                      nice