New research analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggests that TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost Earth-like planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, might have a thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. This finding contradicts previous observations that indicated the planet would be barren and airless. Alternatively, the new measurements also reveal an unexpectedly high surface temperature, potentially suggesting volcanic activity.
The innermost Earth-like planet in the famous TRAPPIST-1 system might be capable of supporting a thick atmosphere after all, according to new research.
Despite the system being the best-studied planetary system outside of our own solar system, detecting atmospheres on its planets has proven challenging. That is the result of the unusual characteristics of their tiny and cool host red dwarf star, which can mimic atmospheric signals that are already weak and hard to detect.
In contrast, the new measurements, which were gathered at a different wavelength of 12.8 micrometers, suggest not only a thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere but one that includes highly reflective haze, akin to smog seen here on Earth.
Such dynamics are known to occur on Saturn's largest moon Titan, for instance, but"the chemistry in the atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1b is expected to be very different from Titan or any of the solar system's rocky bodies," study co-author Michiel Min of SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research said in the same statement."It is fascinating to think we might be looking at a type of atmosphere we have never seen before.
PLANETARY SCIENCE ATMOSPHERES ASTROPHYSICS RED DWARF STARS EXTRASOLAR PLANETS
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