Water found on distant planet (hot Jupiter at 63 LY)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the discovery of water in the atmosphere of the exoplanet HD 189733b, a hot Jupiter located 63 light years from Earth. Participants explore the implications of this finding, the methods used for detection, and the conditions under which water can exist on such a high-temperature planet.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the detection of water using absorption spectroscopy is significant for exoplanet research.
  • One participant questions how water can exist on HD 189733b given its high surface temperature of 1200K, suggesting that higher atmospheric pressure might be a factor but expressing skepticism about its likelihood.
  • Another participant points out that the mass of a Jupiter-like planet provides sufficient gravity to retain an atmosphere, which could include water vapor, despite the high temperatures.
  • Some express interest in the technique of spectroscopy used for the detection, finding it intriguing beyond the discovery itself.
  • There is a humorous acknowledgment of a misconception about the nature of the water found, clarifying that it refers to water vapor rather than liquid water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the significance of the detection method and the presence of water vapor, but there are differing views on the implications of the planet's temperature and atmospheric conditions for the existence of water.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific atmospheric conditions on HD 189733b that would allow water vapor to exist at such high temperatures, including the role of atmospheric pressure and composition.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, researchers in exoplanet studies, and those interested in planetary atmospheres may find this discussion relevant.

marcus
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Water found on distant planet
from PhysicsWeb News at 17:01 PM GMT
An international team of astronomers has obtained the first convincing evidence of water in the atmosphere of a planet outside our solar system. They came to this conclusion using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to measure the light absorbed by the Jupiter-like planet HD 189733b as it passed in front of its companion star. However, the planet, which lies some 63 light years from Earth, is unlikely to harbour life as its surface temperature can reach 1200K. (Nature 448 169).
July 11, 2007 17:01 PM GMT
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I guess part of the point is that absorption spectroscopy can now detect water in the atmosphere of exoplanets.

It is no surprise that water exists on some exoplanets, but it is nice that instruments can detect it.

Now if they would find water in the atmosphere of a planet in habitable zone that would be nice.
 
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
What I want to know is, how is the water on such a planet prevented from boiling off? The normal boiling point for water on our planet is 373 degrees K, and this planet is apparently 4 times that hot...(I suppose an argument can be made for a higher atmospheric pressure on this panet but at this temp, that seems sort of unlikely to me...)
 
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When they say water - that includes water vapour.
The mass of a Jupiter like planet gives you a lot of gravity, certainly enough to hold onto an atmosphere,
our Jupiter is made of methane but that doesn't boil off.
 
thats so cool, thanks marcus =)
I personally find the technique they used even more interesting than the find itself
 
When they say water - that includes water vapour.
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I guess my mental image of streams of water being found was too optimistic :-p
 

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