A ‘New Neptune’ With Water, and Cyanide in Space

Astronomers discovered water vapor on exoplanet H ATP11B, a Neptune-sized planet in the Cygnus constellation, marking the smallest exoplanet with detected water. Despite its inhospitable conditions, this finding is significant due to the challenges in studying small exoplanets with thick atmospheres. Using spectroscopy, researchers analyze light passing through atmospheres to identify chemical compositions. Additionally, astronomers found complex molecules in the star-forming region Sagittarius B2, including normal and isopropyl cyanide, suggesting that complex chemistry necessary for life may originate in space.

What makes the exoplanet H ATP11B significant in the study of exoplanets?

• It is the smallest exoplanet where water vapor has been detected.

• It is the first exoplanet with a detected atmosphere.

• It is the largest exoplanet discovered.

• It is the closest exoplanet to Earth.

Why is the discovery of H ATP11B important despite its high surface temperature?

• It is located in a habitable zone.

• It has a breathable atmosphere.

• It shows that small exoplanets can have detectable molecules.

• It has a similar orbit to Earth.

What challenge does spectroscopy face when studying small exoplanets?

• The planets are too far away.

• The planets move too quickly.

• The atmospheres are too thin to detect.

• The thick atmospheres block starlight.

What is unique about the molecule isopropyl cyanide found in Sagittarius B2?

• It is the smallest molecule found in space.

• It is a simple chain molecule.

• It is composed only of hydrogen.

• It is a branched molecule.

What potential implication does the discovery of complex molecules in space have?

• They indicate the presence of life.

• They are unique to our solar system.

• They suggest complex chemistry existed before stars.

• They are only found near black holes.