NASA | Exoplanet Atmosphere Blasted by Stellar Flare

The video discusses the star HD 189733 and its giant planet, HD 189733 B, which orbits very close to its star. This proximity causes the planet to experience atmospheric erosion due to powerful flares from the star. Observations using the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA's Swift satellite revealed that these flares can cause significant atmospheric loss, creating a comet-like tail. The process of atmospheric erosion is crucial for understanding the evolution of gas giant planets that orbit close to their stars.

What is unique about the orbit of the planet HD 189733 B?

• It is located in the habitable zone of its star.

• It is 12 times closer to its star than Mercury is to the Sun.

• It has a highly elliptical orbit.

• It orbits its star in over 365 days.

What did astronomers observe about the planet's atmosphere in 2010?

• The atmosphere was expanding rapidly.

• There was no trace of an escaping atmosphere.

• The atmosphere had completely evaporated.

• The atmosphere was completely intact.

What was the speed of hydrogen gas escaping from HD 189733 B in 2011?

• 100,000 miles an hour

• 200,000 miles an hour

• 400,000 miles an hour

• 300,000 miles an hour

What effect did the X-ray flare have on the planet's atmosphere?

• It had no effect on the atmosphere.

• It heated the atmosphere, causing gas to escape.

• It caused the atmosphere to expand and contract.

• It cooled the atmosphere significantly.

What phenomenon did the escaping gas from HD 189733 B create?

• A new moon

• A comet-like tail

• A ring around the planet

• A bright aurora