Scientist Discover Planet Darker Than Charcoal
Editorials News | May-03-2018
Lately, the scientists have discovered a “pitch black” planet that is 470 light-years away. This planet absorbs 99% of the light and makes it one of the darkest known planet. This planet has been named as WASP-104b. It was discovered by researchers from Keele University in the UK.
They put to use NASA's Kepler telescope and established that this planet is 'darker than charcoal’. It hardly reflects any light of its host star. The researchers were amazed to see that this planet did not reflect the light of its host star. WASP-104b was found orbiting a yellow dwarf star some 470 light-years away in the constellation Leo. It is also categorised as a 'hot Jupiter' planet. Hot Jupiters are gas giant planets that are located very close to their host stars, as a result they become very hot. The scientists have estimated that WASP-104b’s proximity to its host star is the reason behind the planet being so dark. Another factor that leads to this darkness is the presence of alkali metals like sodium and potassium in a 'hazy' atmosphere, which leads to significant absorption of light in the visual wavelengths. As WASP-104b is one of the least reflective planet, it will serve as a test bed for atmospheric models.
By: Anuja Arora
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/planet-darker-than-charcoal-discovered/articleshow/63908634.cms
Related News
- Living Ahimsa: The Ethical Principles of Jainism
- Strategies for Amplifying Women's Voices in Political Leadership
- WPL vs IPL
- Know Interesting Facts About Maya Angelou
- SpaceX Makes History with Launch of World's Largest Rocket into Space
- Kerala Mumps Outbreak: Surpasses 11,000 Reported Cases in Under 3 Months
- Unraveling the Mystery of the Rare Bombay Blood Group
- Robert Downey Jr. Wins First Oscar
- Key Features of the Citizenship Amendment Act
- Understanding Tokenization: How It Works and Its Importance
Most popular news
- The Law Of Equivalent Exchange
- Essay On Issues And Challenges Of Rural Development In India
- Srinivasa Ramanujan And His Inventions
- The Youth Is The Hope Of Our Future!
- Poverty In India: Facts, Causes, Effects And Solutions
- Top 20 Outdoor Games In India
- Festivals Of India: Unity In Diversity
- Role Of Women In Society
- The Impact Of Peer Pressure On Students' Academic Performance
- Books As Companion