Potentially habitable Earth-like planet discovery imminent for astronomers' assessment
In the distant planetary system of TRAPPIST-1, located approximately 40 light-years away from Earth, the fourth planet, TRAPPIST-1 e, continues to capture the attention of astronomers. This rocky planet, similar in size to Earth, orbits its small, Jupiter-sized star every six days.
TRAPPIST-1 e is considered one of the best candidates for liquid surface water among the seven planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. Three of these planets are in the habitable zone, the region where if they had an atmosphere, they could sustain liquid water.
Recent studies have provided intriguing insights into the potential atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1 e. The Webb telescope has performed four observations on the planet in 2023, but these have not definitively ruled out the presence of an atmosphere.
A study published last week in The Astrophysical Journal Letters suggests that TRAPPIST-1 e could have a nitrogen-heavy atmosphere, more similar to Earth and Saturn's icy moon Titan. However, it has ruled out the presence of a primary, hydrogen-based atmosphere, and the planet is unlikely to have an atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide like those of Venus and Mars.
Researchers led by astronomer Nikole Lewis from Cornell University, as part of the international DREAMS project with over 30 scientists from the UK, USA, and India, are investigating TRAPPIST-1e using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The JWST has been observing the system since 2022, aiming to analyze its atmosphere and surface conditions. Future observations aim to increase the number of transits observed from four to nearly twenty to detect faint atmospheric signals more clearly.
According to Howard Chen, TRAPPIST-1e sits at a 'tipping point' between opposite states, being either extremely dry or water-rich, based on computer simulations. The next few Webb telescope observations could deliver a dramatic reveal, as they could distinguish between dry and water-rich scenarios for TRAPPIST-1e.
Astronomers are optimistic that TRAPPIST-1 e could still have an atmosphere. Michaël Gillon, who led the original discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, finds the data exciting as they prove JWST's capability to detect an Earth-like atmosphere if it exists. The Webb telescope has the potential to detect specific chemical signatures of gases such as methane, which is associated with life on Earth.
The results of the current observations are incomplete and inconclusive. If irrefutable signs of an atmosphere are found, more Webb telescope observations could be warranted. The team plans to complete 15 more observations by the end of the year, with two-thirds already completed.
TRAPPIST-1 e is considered the most promising of the seven planets for hosting an Earth-like atmosphere, according to Eric Agol. The search for signs of life beyond Earth continues, and the observations of TRAPPIST-1 e are a significant step in this ongoing quest.
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