Astronomers Find Blue Planet Outside Solar System
LONDON (AP) - Astronomers have for the first time managed to determine the color of a planet outside our solar system, a blue gas giant 63 light-years away.
Using the Hubble Space Telescope, an international team said the planet known as HD 189733B would look like a deep blue dot if viewed up close.
"Measuring the planet's color is a real first — we have never managed it before with a planet outside our own solar system," Frederic Pont of the University of Exeter in England said Friday.
While Earth looks blue from space because of its oceans, the astronomers said the planet's color was created by a hazy turbulent atmosphere of silicate particles that scatter blue light. To determine the planet's color, the team measured the amount of light reflected off its surface as it passed behind its star.
Discovered in 2005, the planet belongs to a class of giant gas planets called "hot Jupiters" that orbit close to their stars. It has a daytime temperature of around 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 F), and the heat causes rocks to evaporate and glass to possibly rain sideways in howling 4,500 mph (about 7,250 kph) winds.
Astronomers chose the planet for observation because of its proximity to Earth and size in relation to the star it orbits. A light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles.
Pont said the technology the astronomers used pushed the Hubble telescope to its limit given the distance and light from other stars obscuring their view.
"People keep coming up with a better way of viewing planets indirectly so I'm sure the technology will eventually improve," Pont said.
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Woman stuck in swimming pool turns to Facebook for help
Woman stuck in swimming pool turns to Facebook for help
EPPING, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire woman who became stuck in a swimming pool after the ladder broke turned to Facebook to ask for help getting out. Sixty-one-year-old Leslie Kahn was swimming in her pool Aug. 11 when the ladder broke, leaving her stranded. She said she didn't have the strength to pull herself. No one else was home and her cellphone was inside.
>>EPPING, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire woman who became stuck in a swimming pool after the ladder broke turned to Facebook to ask for help getting out. Sixty-one-year-old Leslie Kahn was swimming in her pool Aug. 11 when the ladder broke, leaving her stranded. She said she didn't have the strength to pull herself. No one else was home and her cellphone was inside.
>>Coeur d'Alene Police investigating after dead man found on Potlatch Hill Road near overpass
Coeur d'Alene Police investigating after dead man found on Potlatch Hill Road near overpass
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - Police are investigating after a 38-year-old man was found near the Interstate 90 overpass on Potlatch Hill Road early Saturday morning. Officers responded to the report of a dead man lying in the road around 1:40 a.m. The man, later identified as Dennis Michael Williams, appeared to have fallen from I-90 onto Potlatch Hill Road below.
>>COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - Police are investigating after a 38-year-old man was found near the Interstate 90 overpass on Potlatch Hill Road early Saturday morning. Officers responded to the report of a dead man lying in the road around 1:40 a.m. The man, later identified as Dennis Michael Williams, appeared to have fallen from I-90 onto Potlatch Hill Road below.
>>Former soldier sentenced for videotaping rape of 2-year-old
Former soldier sentenced for videotaping rape of 2-year-old
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - A former Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier was sentenced to 20 years in prison for videotaping himself raping a 2-year-old child with autism.
>>TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - A former Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier was sentenced to 20 years in prison for videotaping himself raping a 2-year-old child with autism.
>>Local Craigslist ad offers 'free Cadillac with purchase' of $2,500 eclipse glasses
Local Craigslist ad offers 'free Cadillac with purchase' of $2,500 eclipse glasses
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - As you may have heard, eclipse glasses are getting harder and harder to come by. As we get closer and closer to Monday's total solar eclipse, demand for solar eclipse glasses has skyrocketed in stores and online. Most stores we've contacted have reported being sold out of the eclipse glasses, so your best bet now is to grab a pair at a local viewing party.
>>COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - As you may have heard, eclipse glasses are getting harder and harder to come by. As we get closer and closer to Monday's total solar eclipse, demand for solar eclipse glasses has skyrocketed in stores and online. Most stores we've contacted have reported being sold out of the eclipse glasses, so your best bet now is to grab a pair at a local viewing party.
>>How to get free eclipse glasses
How to get free eclipse glasses
ATHOL, Idaho - With the total solar eclipse just days away, many people are scrambling to find a pair of glasses to safely watch the once-in-a-lifetime event. But the hot commodity is almost nowhere to be found in the Inland Northwest, except at Silverwood Theme Park. Silverwood has 3,000 pairs of glasses. The first 200 people in the park get a free pair, the remaining 2,800 will be sold for $6 each. Glasses are only given to people who buy an admission ticket.
>>ATHOL, Idaho - With the total solar eclipse just days away, many people are scrambling to find a pair of glasses to safely watch the once-in-a-lifetime event. But the hot commodity is almost nowhere to be found in the Inland Northwest, except at Silverwood Theme Park. Silverwood has 3,000 pairs of glasses. The first 200 people in the park get a free pair, the remaining 2,800 will be sold for $6 each. Glasses are only given to people who buy an admission ticket.
>>Washington state waitress confesses to skimming $30,000
Washington state waitress confesses to skimming $30,000
PORT ORCHARD, Wash (AP) - A Washington state waitress has confessed to skimming about $30,000 from a restaurant throughout the course of nine years. The Kitsap Sun reports the Madison Diner waitress was caught after new restaurant owners installed sales software on the registers. The 26-year-old told a Bainbridge Island Police detective the money helped fuel a gambling addiction.
>>PORT ORCHARD, Wash (AP) - A Washington state waitress has confessed to skimming about $30,000 from a restaurant throughout the course of nine years. The Kitsap Sun reports the Madison Diner waitress was caught after new restaurant owners installed sales software on the registers. The 26-year-old told a Bainbridge Island Police detective the money helped fuel a gambling addiction.
>>
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Mad Minute stories from Friday, August 18th
Mad Minute stories from Friday, August 18th
Mad Minute for 12/30/16
Here are the extended versions of the KHQ Local News 11 at 11 Mad Minute stories from Friday, August 18th.
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>>The Latest: Florida authorities say 2 police officers shot
The Latest: Florida authorities say 2 police officers shot
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on police officers shot in Florida (all times local): 12:30 a.m. Authorities in northern Florida say two police officers have been shot in Jacksonsville. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said on its official Twitter site that two police officers were shot in the west side of the city. The Sheriff's Office later tweeted: "Two police officers shot: If you are inclined to do so, say a prayer for our two #JSO officers that have been
>>KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on police officers shot in Florida (all times local): 12:30 a.m. Authorities in northern Florida say two police officers have been shot in Jacksonsville. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said on its official Twitter site that two police officers were shot in the west side of the city. The Sheriff's Office later tweeted: "Two police officers shot: If you are inclined to do so, say a prayer for our two #JSO officers that have been
>>Details of 'Deadpool 2' stuntwoman's death released
Details of 'Deadpool 2' stuntwoman's death released
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - British Columbia's workplace safety agency has released the first official account of a "Deadpool 2" stuntwoman's death. The initial report by WorkSafeBC on Friday confirms witness accounts to Monday's accident during filming of the sequel to actor Ryan Reynolds' popular superhero movie. The report says SJ Harris had been rehearsing a stunt that involved driving a motorcycle out the open
>>VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - British Columbia's workplace safety agency has released the first official account of a "Deadpool 2" stuntwoman's death. The initial report by WorkSafeBC on Friday confirms witness accounts to Monday's accident during filming of the sequel to actor Ryan Reynolds' popular superhero movie. The report says SJ Harris had been rehearsing a stunt that involved driving a motorcycle out the open
>>Big catch! Drunken woman allegedly bites fisherman's line
Big catch! Drunken woman allegedly bites fisherman's line
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) - It wasn't exactly the catch a Florida man was hoping for while fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, deputies say a drunken 22-year-old woman cursed at him before swimming up to his fishing line, biting it and swimming away with the rigging. St. Johns County Sheriff's officials tell local news outlets the fisherman told deputies the incident happened Tuesday evening as he was fishing with a rented pole near St. Augustine. Deputies asked Alexandria
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>>Montana wildfire grows, destroys buildings
Montana wildfire grows, destroys buildings
inciweb
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - A wildfire that forced the evacuation of nearly 750 homes in Montana has moved past control lines and burned some buildings in an evacuation zone. Fire information officer Mike Cole said Missoula County deputies were determining whether the buildings that burned Thursday evening were homes. Firefighters were preparing for another difficult day of high temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity. The fire was
>>MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - A wildfire that forced the evacuation of nearly 750 homes in Montana has moved past control lines and burned some buildings in an evacuation zone. Fire information officer Mike Cole said Missoula County deputies were determining whether the buildings that burned Thursday evening were homes. Firefighters were preparing for another difficult day of high temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity. The fire was
>>Mad Minute stories from Thursday, August 17th
Mad Minute stories from Thursday, August 17th
Mad Minute for 12/30/16
Here are the extended versions of the KHQ Local News 11 at 11 Mad Minute stories from Thursday, August 17th.
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>>Family holds Christmas early for father with terminal cancer
Family holds Christmas early for father with terminal cancer
Courtesy Becky Odum's Facebook page
FRISCO, Tex. - A Frisco, Texas family is having Christmas early this year, after receiving some unfortunate news- David Odum, husband and father, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. According to Fox 4 News, the family has issued an online challenge, met by supporters across the globe. David's wife Becky got out the Christmas decorations and took to Facebook to share David's diagnosis, asking for family and friends to hang up their
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Escape artist llama makes bid for freedom on golf course
Jackson, New Hampshire, Police Department via NBC News
JACKSON, N.H. (AP) - Maybe these golfers in New Hampshire didn't yell "fore" but they might have considered "llama on the links." Golfers at Eagle Mountain Golf Course in Jackson were joined Monday on the sixth fairway by a llama that escaped from his pen about 2 miles (over 3 kilometers) through some woods. The Conway Daily Sun reports that the pack animal, named Noir, was friendly and got in pictures with the golfers. The fugitive is
>>JACKSON, N.H. (AP) - Maybe these golfers in New Hampshire didn't yell "fore" but they might have considered "llama on the links." Golfers at Eagle Mountain Golf Course in Jackson were joined Monday on the sixth fairway by a llama that escaped from his pen about 2 miles (over 3 kilometers) through some woods. The Conway Daily Sun reports that the pack animal, named Noir, was friendly and got in pictures with the golfers. The fugitive is
>>New white pumpkin pie m&m's arrive ahead of fall
New white pumpkin pie m&m's arrive ahead of fall
M&M's, Mars
It might still be August, but fall has arrived early in the candy aisle. The early release of pumpkin-flavored foods continues this week with the release of White Pumpkin Pie M&M's. The new M&M's feature a white chocolate and pumpkin pie-flavored coating. Looking to get your hands on a bag before fall officially arrives? They are being sold at Walmart and other large retailers, a spokesperson for M&M's maker Mars confirmed this week to TODAY. The White Pumpkin Pie flav...>>It might still be August, but fall has arrived early in the candy aisle. The early release of pumpkin-flavored foods continues this week with the release of White Pumpkin Pie M&M's. The new M&M's feature a white chocolate and pumpkin pie-flavored coating. Looking to get your hands on a bag before fall officially arrives? They are being sold at Walmart and other large retailers, a spokesperson for M&M's maker Mars confirmed this week to TODAY. The White Pumpkin Pie flav...>>The Latest: Suspects ID'd as Moroccan, Spanish nationals
The Latest: Suspects ID'd as Moroccan, Spanish nationals
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - The Latest on the Barcelona attack (all times local): 10:10 p.m. A senior police official in Spain's Catalonia region says the van attack that killed 13 people in Barcelona is "connected" to an explosion the night before in a town south of the city in which one person died and injured several more. Police Major Josep Lluis Trapero also gave the nationalities of the two suspects detained Thursday. He said during a news
>>BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - The Latest on the Barcelona attack (all times local): 10:10 p.m. A senior police official in Spain's Catalonia region says the van attack that killed 13 people in Barcelona is "connected" to an explosion the night before in a town south of the city in which one person died and injured several more. Police Major Josep Lluis Trapero also gave the nationalities of the two suspects detained Thursday. He said during a news
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Police: 26 taken to hospitals after bus crash on Pennsylvania interstate
Police: 26 taken to hospitals after bus crash on Pennsylvania interstate
EASTON, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a bus flipped over after colliding with a tractor-trailer on a Pennsylvania interstate, sending more than two dozen people to hospitals. State police say the rig's front end collided with the rear of the bus around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 78 in Williams Township, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Philadelphia.
>>EASTON, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a bus flipped over after colliding with a tractor-trailer on a Pennsylvania interstate, sending more than two dozen people to hospitals. State police say the rig's front end collided with the rear of the bus around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 78 in Williams Township, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Philadelphia.
>>Publicist: Jerry Lewis, comedian , telethon host, dies at 91
Publicist: Jerry Lewis, comedian , telethon host, dies at 91
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Jerry Lewis, the rubber-faced comedian and director whose fundraising telethons became as famous as his hit movies, has died. Publicist Candi Cazau says Lewis passed away Sunday morning of natural causes at age 91 in Las Vegas with his family by his side. Lewis first became a star in a duo with Dean Martin, entertaining audiences in nightclubs, on television and in the movies.
>>LAS VEGAS (AP) - Jerry Lewis, the rubber-faced comedian and director whose fundraising telethons became as famous as his hit movies, has died. Publicist Candi Cazau says Lewis passed away Sunday morning of natural causes at age 91 in Las Vegas with his family by his side. Lewis first became a star in a duo with Dean Martin, entertaining audiences in nightclubs, on television and in the movies.
>>Officials: 26 bulldog puppies found in hot van at store
Officials: 26 bulldog puppies found in hot van at store
Animal welfare officials say more than two dozen puppies were found inside a hot van parked at a New Jersey store. Officials say the 26 English and French bulldogs appeared to be dehydrated when they were found Saturday outside Walmart in Garfield.
>>Animal welfare officials say more than two dozen puppies were found inside a hot van parked at a New Jersey store. Officials say the 26 English and French bulldogs appeared to be dehydrated when they were found Saturday outside Walmart in Garfield.
>>Eclipse eve: Millions converge across US to see sun go dark
Eclipse eve: Millions converge across US to see sun go dark
Millions of Americans are converging on a narrow corridor stretching from Oregon to South Carolina to watch the moon blot out the midday sun Monday. It will be the first total solar eclipse to sweep coast-to-coast across the U.S. in 99 years. With 200 million people within a day's drive of the path of totality, towns and parks are bracing for monumental crowds. It's expected to be the most observed, most studied and most photographed eclipse ever.
>>Millions of Americans are converging on a narrow corridor stretching from Oregon to South Carolina to watch the moon blot out the midday sun Monday. It will be the first total solar eclipse to sweep coast-to-coast across the U.S. in 99 years. With 200 million people within a day's drive of the path of totality, towns and parks are bracing for monumental crowds. It's expected to be the most observed, most studied and most photographed eclipse ever.
>>After months of hype, Northwest braces for solar eclipse
After months of hype, Northwest braces for solar eclipse
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - After months of hype, it's almost here. The first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the United States since 1918 is expected to draw up to a million people to Oregon, where the moon's shadow will first make landfall. Crowds have already begun clogging roadways, campgrounds and hotels for hundreds of miles, and a wildfire has forced evacuations in prime viewing areas.
>>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - After months of hype, it's almost here. The first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the United States since 1918 is expected to draw up to a million people to Oregon, where the moon's shadow will first make landfall. Crowds have already begun clogging roadways, campgrounds and hotels for hundreds of miles, and a wildfire has forced evacuations in prime viewing areas.
>>National Guard arrives at fast-growing Montana wildfire
National Guard arrives at fast-growing Montana wildfire
LOLO, Mont. (AP) - National Guard troops are now helping out at a rapidly growing wildfire in western Montana. The 155 soldiers who arrived Saturday will monitor 35 security checkpoints south of Missoula where an evacuation order is in place. The troops will relieve law enforcement officers, freeing them up so they can return to other duties.
>>LOLO, Mont. (AP) - National Guard troops are now helping out at a rapidly growing wildfire in western Montana. The 155 soldiers who arrived Saturday will monitor 35 security checkpoints south of Missoula where an evacuation order is in place. The troops will relieve law enforcement officers, freeing them up so they can return to other duties.
>>Washington State University hosts anti-racism rally
Washington State University hosts anti-racism rally
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University hosted a rally against racism Saturday on their campus in Pullman. It was one of several rallies across the nation held over the weekend in response to violent clashes between white nationalists groups and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Va., last weekend. One person died in those protests after a car slammed into a crowd of demonstrators.
>>PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University hosted a rally against racism Saturday on their campus in Pullman. It was one of several rallies across the nation held over the weekend in response to violent clashes between white nationalists groups and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Va., last weekend. One person died in those protests after a car slammed into a crowd of demonstrators.
>>Local Craigslist ad offers 'free Cadillac with purchase' of $2,500 eclipse glasses
Local Craigslist ad offers 'free Cadillac with purchase' of $2,500 eclipse glasses
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - As you may have heard, eclipse glasses are getting harder and harder to come by. As we get closer and closer to Monday's total solar eclipse, demand for solar eclipse glasses has skyrocketed in stores and online. Most stores we've contacted have reported being sold out of the eclipse glasses, so your best bet now is to grab a pair at a local viewing party.
>>COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - As you may have heard, eclipse glasses are getting harder and harder to come by. As we get closer and closer to Monday's total solar eclipse, demand for solar eclipse glasses has skyrocketed in stores and online. Most stores we've contacted have reported being sold out of the eclipse glasses, so your best bet now is to grab a pair at a local viewing party.
>>2 dead in small plane crash near Oregon eclipse viewing site
2 dead in small plane crash near Oregon eclipse viewing site
MADRAS, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say two people died in a small plane crash near a central Oregon airport where people are gathering to view the solar eclipse. The Central Oregon Emergency Information Network says the pilot and a passenger were killed in the crash about 2 p.m. Saturday about a mile south of Madras Municipal Airport.
>>MADRAS, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say two people died in a small plane crash near a central Oregon airport where people are gathering to view the solar eclipse. The Central Oregon Emergency Information Network says the pilot and a passenger were killed in the crash about 2 p.m. Saturday about a mile south of Madras Municipal Airport.
>>Police: Officer opens fire after driver rams cruiser
Police: Officer opens fire after driver rams cruiser
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (AP) - Officials say a western Washington state police officer opened fire after the driver of a stolen vehicle rammed the officer's cruiser, and police later arrested a male with a possible gunshot wound to the arm. Police in Federal Way say the incident began late Friday night when an officer noticed an occupied, suspicious car in a parking lot.
>>FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (AP) - Officials say a western Washington state police officer opened fire after the driver of a stolen vehicle rammed the officer's cruiser, and police later arrested a male with a possible gunshot wound to the arm. Police in Federal Way say the incident began late Friday night when an officer noticed an occupied, suspicious car in a parking lot.
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