For the first time astronomers were able to analyse the atmosphere of an exoplanet in the class known as super-Earths. Using data gathered with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and new analysis techniques, the exoplanet 55 Cancri e is revealed to have a dry atmosphere without any indications of water vapour. The results, to be published in the Astrophysical Journal, indicate that the atmosphere consists mainly of hydrogen and helium.
The release, images and videos are available on:
http://www.spacetelescope.org/news/heic1603/
Kind regards,
ESA/Hubble Information Centre
The ESO Education and Public Outreach Department
16 February 2016
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