New Discovery: TRAPPIST-1c – A Rocky Exoplanet with a Thin Atmosphere

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided new insights into the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 c, revealing that its atmosphere is either non-existent or extremely thin, making it inhospitable for life. TRAPPIST-1 c is a rocky planet located approximately 40 light years away from Earth, orbiting a cold red dwarf star.

The study, led by Sebastian Zieba, a graduate student at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany, aimed to determine whether rocky planets have atmospheres. The findings will help astronomers understand if stars like TRAPPIST-1 can support life-sustaining worlds similar to Earth.

Previously, scientists could only study planets with thick atmospheres rich in hydrogen. However, with the James Webb Space Telescope, they can now search for atmospheres dominated by oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Zieba emphasized the significance of this advancement in exoplanet research.

To assess TRAPPIST-1 c’s atmosphere, the research team used the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to analyze the planet’s emitted light as it passed behind its parent star. This allowed them to calculate the amount of mid-infrared light, which correlates with the planet’s temperature and atmospheric composition. The observations indicated a lack of carbon dioxide gas, which should absorb light from the planet.

Zieba further explained that the results suggest TRAPPIST-1 c is either a rocky planet without an atmosphere or possesses an extremely thin carbon dioxide atmosphere, thinner than that of Earth or Mars and devoid of clouds.

In a study published in the journal Nature, astronomers also revealed that TRAPPIST-1 c likely formed with relatively little water or other essential components necessary for habitability. Laura Kreidberg, a co-author of the study from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, expressed amazement at the ability to measure such details.

The research conducted with the James Webb Space Telescope opens up new possibilities for comparing exoplanet systems to our own, providing insights into the sustainability of atmospheres on rocky planets. This advancement marks a significant milestone in understanding the potential habitability of distant worlds.

Watch the video “Astronomers Repeatedly Get Repeated Radio Signals from Exoplanets” for more information on the latest discoveries in the field.

(makes/pal)

How did the study of TRAPPIST-1 c using the James Webb Space Telescope contribute to our understanding of the planet’s atmosphere and its potential habitability?

By studying TRAPPIST-1 c. The findings of the study suggest that the planet’s atmosphere is either non-existent or exceptionally thin, making it unsuitable for supporting life.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope played a pivotal role in unraveling these fascinating details about TRAPPIST-1 c. This exoplanet, residing around 40 light years from Earth, revolves around a chilly red dwarf star. With this new insight into its atmosphere, scientists now have a deeper understanding of the planet’s conditions and its potential habitability.

Headed by Sebastian Zieba, a graduate student at Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, the research aimed to shed light on the atmospheric composition of rocky planets. By specifically focusing on TRAPPIST-1 c, the team aimed to determine the presence or thickness of its atmosphere.

The fascinating conclusions indicate that TRAPPIST-1 c’s atmosphere is either lacking altogether or extremely tenuous. Such conditions render the planet inhospitable for life as we know it. The thin or non-existent atmosphere would make it challenging for essential processes such as respiration and temperature regulation to occur.

Thanks to the incredible capabilities of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, scientists can delve into the intricacies of exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1 c. These observations propel our understanding of the cosmos and offer valuable insights into the potential habitability of distant worlds.