Neptune-Sized Earth

A Neptune-sized planet, called GJ 3470b, located 100-light-years away, is believe to have Earth-like blue skies. Astronomers spotted the blue skies as it transited across its parent star and analyzed light scattered by tiny particles in its atmosphere using a technique known as Rayleigh scattering. It’s believed to have an atmosphere rich in molecules such water and methane. Continue reading for more information.

Neptune-Sized Earth Exoplanet

“If the sky has a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere (as shown in the top image) Rayleigh scattering disperses blue light from the atmosphere of the host. The middle image shows how Rayleigh scattering is much weaker in water-rich atmospheres while the bottom image show what would happen if the sky had extensive clouds,” reports Mail Online.

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