The search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system has led astronomers to focus on the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 d, which is similar in size to Earth and orbits a small, cool star. However, new data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reveals that the planet does not have an Earth-like atmosphere.
The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, used the telescope’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument to search for molecules in TRAPPIST-1 d’s atmosphere. Despite extensive searches, no water, methane, or carbon dioxide were detected. However, researchers propose several possible explanations for the planet’s lack of atmosphere.
These may include an extremely thin atmosphere that is difficult to detect, similar to Mars’, thick high-altitude clouds blocking atmospheric signatures, or a barren rock with no atmosphere at all. While these findings rule out TRAPPIST-1 d as a potential Earth twin, scientists remain hopeful that the outer planets in the system could hold onto atmospheres.
The James Webb Space Telescope is allowing researchers to study exoplanet atmospheres for the first time, and ongoing observations of the outer TRAPPIST-1 planets may reveal signs of atmospheres. With its ability to detect subtle signatures, Webb is pushing the boundaries of what scientists thought was possible when studying small, cool planets.
The discovery highlights the challenges of searching for life beyond our solar system and underscores the importance of continued exploration and research. As NASA leads the way in searching for life outside our solar system, studies like this one will help position future missions to answer the universal question: Are we alone?
Source: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/webb-narrows-atmospheric-possibilities-for-earth-sized-exoplanet-trappist-1-d