Aug 18 - Heavy Metal Exoplanet

August 18 Heavy Metal Exoplanet by:

Artist's concept of WASP-121b, which orbits so close to its star and is so hot that heavy metal gases in its atmosphere are escaping into space. Image via Engine House VFX/At-Bristol Science Centre/University of Exeter/JPL.

Meet WASP-121b, a hot 'heavy metal' exoplanet For the first time, heavy metal gases like magnesium and iron have been detected floating away from an exoplanet, a planet orbiting a distant sun. Why? Because the planet - which is about as big as Jupiter - is orbiting perilously close to its star. Here's what's happening.  Arecibo Observatory gets $12.3 million grant Arecibo in Puerto Rico was completed in 1963. In recent years, it has weathered multiple hurricanes. The emergency supplemental funds - supported by the U.S. Congress - represent an investment in the future of this large, famous and much-loved radio dish. Read more. Astronomy ambassadors to Chile: ALMA radio telescope Learn what it would be like to travel to Chile - sometimes called astronomy's world capital - in this final report from Robert Pettengill with the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador Program. Thank you for your dispatches, Rob! Read more.  What we’re reading From the New York Times ...These giant parrots once roamed New Zealand  They were 3 feet (about a meter) tall, likely flightless, and weighed as much as some bowling balls. Read more.

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Tonight … Ophichus is part of the zodiac, too Poor Ophiuchus. Nobody ever claims him as a "birth sign," although the sun moves in front of his stars from about November 30 to December 18. Keep the big guy company. Find Ophiuchus in your sky tonight! The planet Jupiter can help you … Read more.

Full moon setting over South Africa View at EarthSky Community Photos. | "Full moon setting at sunrise over the hills," wrote Chris Voets at Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga province, Republic of South Africa, on August 16. Thank you, Chris! Submit your photo to EarthSky here! Did a friend forward EarthSkyNews to you? Click here to get your own subscription!

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