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Can we detect oxygen on exoplanets?

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Every atom absorbs energy at a unique wavelength and emits energy at a unique wavelength. X-ray fluorescence uses this to locate specific atoms in a material. It would be very unusual to go to the atomic level, but in principle a very large cosmic... read more

If you have a microwave oven, it is tuned specifically to the bond between hydrogen and oxygen in water. Astronomers normally work at this level because it's easier. If there's water present in an atmosphere, you'll notice that the water absorption line is present. If there's oxygen, the oxygen absorption line is present. read more

Astronomers have been able to detect CO 2, H 2 O, CH 4 and CO in the atmosphere of HD 189733b, which is not Earthlike, but rather a hot Jupiter with a temperature of 1700F, far too hot for life. So far these gases have not been detectable on rocky worlds. read more

Scientists believe that an exoplanet discovered last year has oxygen in its atmosphere, potentially the first time the gas has been detected on a rocky planet outside the solar system. Scientists believe that an exoplanet discovered last year has oxygen in its atmosphere, potentially the first time the gas has been detected on a rocky planet outside the solar system. read more

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