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
  • Arathainover 10 years
    That looks like a dark version of Jupiter
    • Cjover 10 years
      Cool
      • 678over 10 years
        let's hope the aliens don't attack us. #redalert
        • diamondkid
          diamondkidover 10 years
          Awesome!
          • star lordover 10 years
            love it/sooooooooooo coool
            • jaa maannn over 10 years
              I should of read another book
              • jaa maannn over 10 years
                I love it and I mean space
                • bangarang
                  bangarangover 10 years
                  It looks like jupiter
                  • bangarang
                    bangarangover 10 years
                    that is really interesting. :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
                    • Martian Manover 10 years
                      It looks like jupiter