methane detected in exoplanet’s atmosphere

[paulscottanderson]

The Hubble Space Telescope has reportedly found evidence of methane in the atmosphere of an exoplanet orbiting a distant star, the first ever such detection. While methane can be produced both biologically and geologically, the brief media advisory mentions that the planet is “too hot” for life (as we know it):<BR/><BR/>http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/mar/HQ_M08058_Hubble_Detects_Molecules.html<BR/> <BR/>NASA will hold a media teleconference at 2:00 pm ET on Wednesday, March 19. When it starts, more information will be posted here:<BR/><BR/>http://hubblesite.org/news/2008/11<BR/><BR/>Paul<BR/><BR/>__________________<BR/><BR/>The Meridiani Journal<BR/>a chronicle of planetary exploration<BR/>http://web.mac.com/meridianijournal <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="1"><span style="font-weight:bold" class="Apple-style-span">-----------------</span></font></p><p><font size="1"><span style="font-weight:bold" class="Apple-style-span">The Meridiani Journal</span><br />a chronicle of planetary exploration<br />web.me.com/meridianijournal</font> </p> </div>

 

[derekmcd]

Thanks for the heads up.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#0000ff" class="Apple-style-span">"If something's hard to do, then it's not worth doing." - Homer Simpson</span></div> </div>

 

[robnissen]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>the brief media advisory mentions that the planet is &ldquo;too hot&rdquo; for life (as we know it): </DIV></p><p>But if it was tidally locked, then perhaps the dark side could support life as there is obviously an atmosphere, heat could be transferred from the light side to the dark side.&nbsp; Should be an interesting press conference.<br /></p>

 

[Ricardo_Savino]

Well, only methane doesnt means much about the presence &nbsp;or not of life. But, looking at the scientific side is a mavelous discovery! I guess we will be able to detect life in a planet like-earth (or not, why not) sooner than we think. I dare to say in less than 20 years! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <strong><font color="#ff0000"><font size="3">Look up and feel small!</font></font></strong> </div>

 

[paulscottanderson]

The news release, images and videos from the media teleconference this morning are now available here:<BR/><BR/>http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2008/11<BR/><BR/>Paul<BR/><BR/>__________________<BR/><BR/>The Meridiani Journal<BR/>a chronicle of planetary exploration<BR/>http://web.mac.com/meridianijournal <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="1"><span style="font-weight:bold" class="Apple-style-span">-----------------</span></font></p><p><font size="1"><span style="font-weight:bold" class="Apple-style-span">The Meridiani Journal</span><br />a chronicle of planetary exploration<br />web.me.com/meridianijournal</font> </p> </div>