Key facts
- Exoplanet HD 189733b, 63 light-years away, is described as a hostile world.
- Its blue color is caused by silicate particles scattering light, not oceans.
- The planet experiences rain made of molten glass.
- Winds on HD 189733b can reach speeds of 7,000 km/h.
- Temperatures on the planet can soar above 930 degrees Celsius.
Scientists are captivated by HD 189733b, an exoplanet situated 63 light-years from Earth, which presents a starkly hostile environment despite its striking blue appearance. This 'hot Jupiter' completes an orbit around its star in just over two days, meaning its 'year' is shorter than an Earth weekend.
The planet's vivid blue hue, observed by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is attributed to silicate particles in its atmosphere that scatter blue light. These same silicate materials are believed to form molten droplets, leading to rain made of glass. This glass rain is swept sideways by winds that can reach speeds of approximately 7,000 kilometers per hour.