What Alien Clouds Can Tell Us About Life Beyond Earth
How new telescopes are uncovering bizarre weather patterns across the galaxy
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Cloud watching on alien worlds may seem an unusual activity, but it is one growing in popularity among astronomers. In recent weeks they’ve announced the discovery of clouds of shining titanium around one planet, crystals of quartz floating high above another, and a third where nightfall brings showers of sapphires and rubies.
These are strange planets, make no mistake, but they are symbolic of the surprising diversity of weather found across the galaxy. They are also a testament to a new generation of space telescopes. For the first time, these have the power to scope out planets around distant stars and to divine the weather patterns rolling across their skies.
Many of the oddest worlds explored so far have been “Hot Jupiters”, giant planets that swing close to their parent stars. They suffer from extreme conditions, where temperatures soar past the melting point of even the toughest metals; where winds blow at extreme speeds, and where chemicals…
