Scientists are ecstatic over having discovered what they think is evidence of water on a distant planet. The planet, termed HD209458b, resides in the Pegasus constellation, some 150 light years from Earth. Many planets assumed to possess water are simply too close to the sun to be studied.
Telescopic technologies under development seek to determine whether or not water actually does exist on this, and other, planets. They work by measuring the lightwaves and other phenomena scientists hope will help them prove that water, gases such as Oxygen and Methane, and even Chlorophyll (need for plants and vegetation) actually exist on this and other planets.
HD209458b, along with other planets, belongs in a categorization of planetary bodies known as "hot Jupiters," which are very close to their stars.
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