Free-floating planet. Infrared image of the free-floating planetary mass object CFBDSIR 2149-0403 (CFBDSIR J214947.2-040308.9). This astronomical body lies around 130 light years from Earth and is the closest such object to the Solar System. It does not orbit a star and hence does not shine by reflected light; the faint glow it emits can only be detected in infrared light. It appears blue in this near-infrared view because much of the light at longer infrared wavelengths is absorbed by methane and other molecules in the planet's atmosphere. In visible light the object is so cool that it would only shine dimly with a deep red colour when seen close-up. Imaged by the SOFI instrument on the New Technology Telescope (NTT) at La Silla Observatory | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Delorme, P. / ESO |
Taille de l’image : | 2959 px × 2959 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : |
|