1 min read
Spectrum of GJ 1132 b

This plot shows the spectrum of the atmosphere of an Earth-sized, rocky exoplanet, GJ 1132 b. The orange line represents the model spectrum. In comparison, the observed spectrum is shown as blue dots representing averaged data points, along with their error bars. This analysis is consistent with GJ 1132 b being predominantly a hydrogen atmosphere with a mix of methane and hydrogen cyanide. The planet also has aerosols which cause scattering of light. This is the first time a so-called "secondary atmosphere," which was replenished after the planet lost its primordial atmosphere, has been detected on a world outside of our solar system.
- Release DateMarch 11, 2021
- Science ReleaseDistant Planet May Be On Its Second Atmosphere, NASA’s Hubble Finds
- CreditNASA, ESA, Pam Jeffries (STScI)
Related Images & Videos
Artwork of Exoplanet GJ 1132 b
This is an artist's impression of the Earth-sized, rocky exoplanet GJ 1132 b, located 41 light-years away around a red dwarf star. Scientists using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have found evidence this planet may have lost its original atmosphere but gained a second one that...
Share
Details
Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov