HD 209458 b, OsirisNicknamed 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. MediumOil on Canvas ArtistEva Bod ’20 Curated ResourcesHD 209458 b, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA HD 209458 b, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA “Your Guide to Exoplanets,” The Planetary Society “The Different Kind of Exoplanets You Meet in the Milky Way,” The Planetary Society |