The innermost planet of the TRAPPIST-1 system, TRAPPIST-1b, may possess a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, according to research publish in Nature Astronomy on 16th December 2024.
The TRAPPIST-1 system, which lies 40 light-years from Earth and includes 7 Earth-size exoplanets, has intrigue astronomers since its discovery in 2017.
Earlier studies suggest that these planets lack atmospheres due to intense stellar radiation.
But, recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) raises the possibility of a hazy, carbon dioxide-heavy atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1b.
As per reports, the study highlights new measurements taken at 12.8 micrometres, showing evidence of a reflective haze in TRAPPIST-1b’s upper atmosphere.
Researchers believe this haze may cause upper layers to emit rather than absorb radiation, challenging previous assumptions.
Leen Decin, co-author of the study and researcher at KU Leuven in Belgium said that the two data points for TRAPPIST-1b allows them to explore various scenarios for its atmosphere, whether it exists or not.
The research also indicates elevate surface temperatures, suggesting potential volcanic activity.
Similar dynamics have observe on Saturn’s moon Titan.
As per Michiel Min from the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, who contribute to the study, in a statement, the atmospheric chemistry of TRAPPIST-1b is expect to be unlike anything seen on Titan or in the solar system.
The team aims to examine heat distribution across the planet’s surface to determine whether an atmosphere is present.
Michaël Gillon, an astronomer at the University of Liège who led the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, explain to Nature Astronomy that an atmosphere would facilitate heat redistribution from the day to night side of the planet.
Without it, heat transfer would be minimal.
These findings may reshape understanding of atmospheres around exoplanets near red dwarf stars, as per experts.
