XO-1b facts for kids
XO-1b is a planet that orbits a star outside our own Solar System. We call these planets "extrasolar planets" or "exoplanets." This amazing planet is about 536 light-years away from Earth. A light-year is how far light travels in one year, which is a very long distance!
Scientists discovered XO-1b in 2006. It was found by a group called the XO Project. This team includes both professional astronomers and people who love watching the sky as a hobby.
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Discovering Exoplanet XO-1b
The XO Project team found XO-1b using a special method called the transit method. Imagine a tiny bug walking across a bright light bulb. When the bug passes in front of the bulb, the light dims just a little bit. That's how the transit method works! Scientists watch a star and look for a tiny dip in its brightness. This dip tells them that a planet is passing in front of the star.
What is a Hot Jupiter?
XO-1b is a type of planet called a "Hot Jupiter". This means it's a gas giant, much like Jupiter in our own solar system. However, XO-1b is a little bit bigger than Jupiter. The "hot" part means it orbits very, very close to its star. Because it's so close, it gets extremely hot!
Water in its Atmosphere
Scientists have even found water in the atmosphere of XO-1b! The amazing Hubble Space Telescope helped make this discovery. Finding water in the atmosphere of an exoplanet is very exciting. It helps us learn more about what these distant worlds are made of.
Images for kids
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This picture shows what XO-1b might look like as it passes in front of its star. It's a huge planet, like Jupiter, orbiting a star similar to our Sun.
See also
In Spanish: XO-1b para niños
