The discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system generated excitement a few years ago, featuring seven roughly Earth-like worlds, with three or four in the red dwarf’s compact habitable zone. However, recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have ruled out TRAPPIST-1 d as a potentially habitable exo-earth.
Researchers analyzed data from two consecutive transits of TRAPPIST-1 d and found no signs of an Earth-like atmosphere. The study’s lead author, Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb, stated that while the planet may be a barren rock illuminated by a cruel red star, other planets in the system, such as TRAPPIST-1 e, f, g, and h, might possess thick atmospheres.
The JWST observations showed that TRAPPIST-1 d’s atmosphere lacks detectable features, unlike what would be expected for an Earth-like planet. The researchers concluded that this indicates either a very thin or nonexistent atmosphere, similar to Mars’, or extremely high-altitude clouds masking molecular absorption features from the JWST.
While studying TRAPPIST-1 d is primarily about determining its habitability, the research also offers insights into red dwarf flaring effects on atmospheres. The powerful flaring activity of the star could shred any planetary atmospheres, making it difficult to determine whether life can persist.
However, other planets in the system may still hold onto their water and atmospheric components, despite initial conditions that suggest otherwise. The researchers found no conclusive evidence for atmosphere presence among the inner planets but indicated a possibility for outer planets like TRAPPIST-1 e, f, g, and h.
The study highlights humanity’s reliance on Earth as an exceptional world in the cosmos. While searching for other life-supporting worlds provides hope for human existence, TRAPPIST-1 d will not serve as that example. The search continues with the next promising exoplanet.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/jwst-delivers-bad-news-about-life-on-trappist-1-planet