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
  • ctorres
    ctorresover 10 years
    Awesome
    • flabbr
      flabbrover 10 years
      btw, does anyone just so happen to play Animal Jam?
    • flabbr
      flabbrover 10 years
      Black absorbs heat, its as simple as that. But it is a pretty cool planet. I just don't think aliens live on it.
      • super_jeep
        super_jeepover 10 years
        Just like USS Enterprise "to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before"
        • SenorSiam0523over 10 years
          WOW! that is awesome they need to send a probe down there! but that will take years cause it said it was 75 million light-years away so it would take millions of years to put a probe or something on it :D
          • paxton
            paxtonover 10 years
            the world will never know what the planet will be called =]
            • shivi483
              shivi483almost 11 years
              I gotta say this for my speech in school ok let's start some information
              • serenaalmost 11 years
                so cool I think
                • jon colealmost 11 years
                  that is really interesting. :)
                  • lillyalmost 11 years
                    its probable fake dont you know how to look at things and tell. how about you go and find it yourself.