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- Title
Extrasolar planets: Fluorescent methane spotted.
- Authors
Redfield, Seth
- Abstract
The article reports on a study which discovers a fluorescent emission of methane origin in the upper atmosphere of the Jovian extrasolar planet HD 189733b. It discusses how fluorescence occurs, the ability of methane to do the phenomenon, and the frequency of fluorescent emission in astrophysical environments. It notes the implication of the presence of methane in the upper atmosphere in the study of the planet's surface. It also emphasizes the importance of complementary ground- and space-based studies on planets. Moreover, it cites the significance of the observations in the continued quest for biological life beyond Earth.
- Subjects
EXTRASOLAR planets; PLANETARY atmospheres; METHANE; FLUORESCENCE; UPPER atmosphere; ASTRONOMICAL observations; ATMOSPHERIC thermodynamics; EXTRATERRESTRIAL life; PLURALITY of worlds
- Publication
Nature, 2010, Vol 463, Issue 7281, p617
- ISSN
0028-0836
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/463617a