Year of the Comet
Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

PANSTARRS information

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

ISON information

Web Extras

Extrasolar atmospheres

Studying the atmospheres of earthlike planets may be a few years in the future, but astronomers are analyzing weather on the largest worlds now.
By Liz Kruesi
Published: February 21, 2011
In the April 2011 issue, Ray Villard wrote about the steps in the search for planets similar to Earth. First, astronomers need to find worlds similar in size that are orbiting within the star’s habitable zone — a region around a sun that liquid water might be able to exist on the planet’s surface.
Subscriber-Only Content Subscriber Only Access
You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Astronomy magazine subscribers.
Already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine?
If you are already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine you must log into your account to view this article. If you do not have an account you will need to regsiter for one. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.
Login   Register
Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!
Subscribe
Get instant access to subscriber content on Astronomy.com!
  • Access our interactive Atlas of the Stars
  • Get full access to StarDome PLUS
  • Columnist articles
  • Search and view our equipment review archive
  • Receive full access to our Ask Astro answers
  • BONUS web extras not included in the magazine
  • Much more!
SEARCH SITE
Subscriber Only Access
Subscriber Only Content
Look for this icon. This denotes premium subscriber content. Learn more »
Become a Member of Astronomy.com
Register today for access to more valuable resource information.
Interact in our forums, comment on articles, receive our newsletter and much more!
Not a member?
Subscriber and Member Login
Password
Remember me