Astronomers using the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope have made the first
direct detection and chemical analysis of the atmosphere of a planet outside
our solar system. Their unique observations show it is possible to measure
the chemical makeup of extrasolar planetary atmospheres -- and potentially
to search for chemical markers of life far beyond Earth.
The Jupiter-sized planet orbits a yellow, Sun-like star called HD 209458
that lies 150 light-years away in the constellation Pegasus.
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Concept — "Hot Jupiter" Around the Star HD 209458