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Loss of atmosphere

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This infographic shows how a planet that is close to its star can lose its atmosphere.

Illustration by SPP 1992 / Patricia Klein

Free to download

Infographic text: Loss of atmosphere

High-energy radiation from a star can blow away a planet’s atmosphere. Depending on the energy of the incoming radiation, the loss may be a slow process or rapid evaporation. The actual process depends on the distance to the star, the type of atmosphere and the stellar type. A plent orbiting close to its star of course experiences stronger radiation.

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