Webb Telescope Probes Possible Water-Bearing Exoplanet
Scientists are currently studying a planet that resembles Earth and could potentially hold water. This exciting exploration is taking place with the use of a space telescope. This distant planet, referred to as TRAPPIST-1 e, is part of a solar system that was first discovered in 2017.
A System of Seven Worlds
The system that TRAPPIST-1 e is a part of is unique because it consists of seven planets that are roughly the same size as Earth. What makes TRAPPIST-1 e stand out from the rest is its position in the system, which makes it theoretically possible for water to exist on its surface. Yet, the question remains whether this planet has an atmosphere, an essential element for maintaining liquid water.
Searching for an Atmosphere
How does one go about looking for an atmosphere on a planet millions of miles away? The answer lies with a tool on the space telescope known as the Near-Infrared Spectrograph. This instrument was pointed at TRAPPIST-1 e as it made its pass in front of its host star. If the planet has an atmosphere, the light from the star will pass through it and be slightly absorbed. This creates a pattern of dips in the light spectrum that reaches the spectrograph, which can aid scientists in determining if an atmosphere exists and what it might be composed of.
Scientists are also studying another planet in the same system, TRAPPIST-1 b. It has been established that this planet lacks an atmosphere, making it a useful point of comparison when evaluating the potential atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1 e.
Initial Findings
According to preliminary data, scientists are confident that TRAPPIST-1 e does not possess what is known as a primary atmosphere. This kind of atmosphere, primarily made up of hydrogen and helium, would have been present when the planet was first formed. However, the star that TRAPPIST-1 e circles is very active, exhibiting frequent flares. These flares emit stellar radiation that could have stripped away the primary atmosphere. Despite this, there's still a possibility that TRAPPIST-1 e has developed a heavier secondary atmosphere, something common among many planets, including Earth.
Possible Water Presence
The potential for water on TRAPPIST-1 e varies. It could range from no water at all, to an ocean or extensive body of water, or even ice due to one side of the planet being perpetually in darkness. If there is liquid water on the planet, the scientists believe it would likely be accompanied by a greenhouse effect. This effect would involve gases such as carbon dioxide helping to stabilize and warm the planet's atmosphere.
Exciting Future Discoveries
The scientists studying TRAPPIST-1 e are excited about the potential findings the space telescope can reveal. The ability to examine the details of starlight from planets the same size as Earth, but located 40 light-years away, and to speculate on what life could potentially be like on those planets, is an incredible achievement. The study of TRAPPIST-1 e and its potential atmosphere is part of a new era of exploration, promising many more fascinating discoveries.