FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 11 (UPI) -- U.S. astronomers have, for the first time, identified water in the atmosphere of an extrasolar planet.
The identification was accomplished using Hubble Space Telescope measurements and theoretical models developed by Lowell Observatory astronomer Travis Barman. He found strong evidence for water absorption in the atmosphere of transiting planet HD209458b.
"We now know that water vapor exists in the atmosphere of one extrasolar planet and there is good reason to believe that other extrasolar planets contain water vapor," said Barman.