TRAPPIST-1b Too Hot and Atmosphere-less for Life
TRAPPIST-1b, an Earth-sized exoplanet within the TRAPPIST-1 system, is not expected to be habitable to life as we know it. Its rocky surface is not likely surrounded by an atmosphere while its temperature may be too high for life – around 230 degrees Celsius on its dayside. Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope’s infrared capabilities to measure the temperature of TRAPPIST-1b and found that it almost perfectly matched a blackbody made of bare rock without any atmosphere to circulate heat.
The TRAPPIST-1 System Offers Insight into Terrestrial Planets
The TRAPPIST system, which has major differences from the Solar System, is a great laboratory for studying terrestrial planets around smaller, cooler stars, and learning about habitability around M stars. Red dwarf stars like TRAPPIST-1 are much more violent than the Sun and can wipe out an atmosphere with their flares and X-rays. Planets in this system may be tidally locked, with one side continuously facing the star while the other resides in constant darkness.
No Evidence of Atmosphere on Trappist-1’s Innermost Planet
The Webb Space Telescope found no evidence of an atmosphere at one of the seven rocky, Earth-sized planets orbiting another star. These planets in the Trappist solar system are about the same size as Earth, three of which are in the habitable zone. However, lack of an atmosphere on the innermost planet means no water and no protection from cosmic rays. The results were published in the journal Nature. The Trappist system’s innermost planet is bombarded by solar radiation, which could be why no atmosphere is observed.
Churning Dust Clouds on Exoplanet VHS 1256 b Discovered
NASA discovered churning dust clouds on exoplanet VHS 1256 b using James Webb Space Telescope, orbiting two stars and about 40 light-years away from Earth. The distance between the planet and its stars makes it an ideal target for observations with the Webb telescope. The clouds of dust on the planet are constantly moving and contain both larger and smaller grains of silicate dust, reaching temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The low gravity of the planet means that the dust clouds remain higher in its atmosphere, making it easier for the Webb telescope to detect them. Silicate grains in the atmosphere may be more like tiny particles in smoke while larger grains may be like very small sand particles. The silicates swirling in the clouds periodically get too heavy and rain into the depths of the planet’s atmosphere. The planet’s young age – 150 million years old – is another factor contributing to the turbulence of its skies. Observations were made using two instruments aboard the Webb telescope, near-infrared spectrograph and mid-infrared instrument.
Future Research Uncovers Differences in Planetary Habitability
Although TRAPPIST-1b was deemed unlikely to support life due to a lack of an atmosphere and high temperature, future work could further characterize the global heat distribution of planets and better understand rocky planets orbiting red dwarf stars and how these systems differ from our own. Additionally, even if an atmosphere is not exactly like what we see on Earth, further research could uncover an atmosphere of sorts on exoplanets that may shape our understanding of planetary habitability.
Overall, discoveries made with advanced technology like the James Webb Space Telescope continue to shed light on worlds beyond our own, offering insight into habitability possibilities and differences in planetary systems.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
