May 9, 2007

Mapping Extrasolar Planets

First Map of an Extrasolar Planet , Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

"For the first time, astronomers have created a rough map of a planet orbiting a distant sun-like star, employing a technique that may one day enable mapping of Earth-like worlds. Since the planet just charted is a gas giant and lacks a solid surface, the map shows cloud-top features. Using the Spitzer infrared space telescope, astronomers detected a bright hot spot that is offset from "high noon," where heating is greatest." 


Posted by kcowing at May 9, 2007 1:25 PM

COPYRIGHT: Unless otherwise specified, all formatting, imagery, link collections, and HTML coding contained within this website © copyright 1996 - 2008. All Rights Reserved Re-use of graphics, text, or HTML formatting for commercial or private use is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.

Copyright

This website does not have any connection whatsoever with, endorsement by, or authorization from, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration nor does any product or service being offered or made available to the public have the authorization, support, sponsorship, or endorsement of, or the development, use, or manufacture by or on behalf of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.