Chemical fingerprint reveals a migrating exoplanet

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Chemical fingerprint reveals a migrating exoplanet

Artist’s concept of exoplanet Osiris – aka HD 209458b – as it transits in front of its star. Note the illuminated crescent of the planet, where the colors illustrate the light spectra that – like a chemical fingerprint – let astronomers identify as many as 6 molecules in the planet’s atmosphere. “It’s the first time so many molecules have been measured and points to an atmosphere with more carbon than oxygen”, they said. Image via University of …