LOS ANGELES — Astronomers making use of the Hubble Space Telescope have been able to make measurements of changes in a distant exoplanet's atmosphere for the first time, according to a report from NASA. After monitoring a powerful solar flare from the planet's parent star, astronomers were able to detect noticeable changes in the planet's atmosphere in response. The planet in question is identified as HD 189733b, and it is in that class of exoplanets which pass directy in front of their parent stars as viewed from Earth. Such a pass in front of the star is referred to as a “transit”. The light traveling to Earth during such a transit can be examined to uncover details about the orbiting exoplanet. — Agencies
