HD 209458 b

HD 209458 b, Osiris

Nicknamed Osiris, HD 209458 b tops a number of lists for first discoveries. It has detectable oxygen and carbon in its atmosphere, and is also evaporating at such a fast rate that scientists have created a new classification of exoplanets, Chthonian planets. The nomenclature is a gift from Greek mythology, and H.P. Lovecraft’s later usage for his space monsters. This oil painting weaves themes of the ancient Egyptian image of Osiris, lord of the underworld, the mythological Cthulhu, and the psychedelic feeling of being on the brink of something new.

Medium

Oil on Canvas

Artist

Eva Bod ’20

Curated Resources

HD 209458 b, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

HD 209458 b, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

David Charbonneau, Timothy Brown, David Latham, & Michel Mayor, “Detection of Planetary Transits Across a Sun-like Star”, Astrophysical Journal, Letters, 16 September 1999

“Your Guide to Exoplanets,” The Planetary Society

“The Different Kind of Exoplanets You Meet in the Milky Way,” The Planetary Society

“How to Search for Exoplanets”, The Planetary Society

“What Is the Habitable Zone?,” The Planetary Society