Detecting Atmosphere on Distant Planet Scientists for the first time have detected an atmosphere on a planet outside our solar system, using NASA's flagship orbiting observatory. The observation suggests that the planet, which is almost as massive as Jupiter, has an atmosphere similar to gas giants in our solar system, researchers said. The same technique could be refined to scrutinize other planets for the kinds of gases consistent with the presence of life. The planet is located around a sun-like star about 150 light-years away in the constellation Pegasus. It is one of about 80 planets discovered beyond our solar system in recent years. The research team found that the planet's atmosphere possesses atomic sodium, a common chemical on Jupiter. By finding high levels of atmospheric gases consistent with the presence of life, such discoveries could offer the first direct evidence of extraterrestrial beings, according to scientists. Chances are slim that this extrasolar planet harbors life as we know it. Because it orbits only 4 million miles (6.4 million kilpmetrrs) from its parent star, its atmosphere sizzles at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,100 degrees Celsius). (end) Condensed from a report by CNN. Khorsheed.com - Dec 2001