Researchers Spot Atmospheric Signs on Earth-like Exoplanet

(MENAFN) Scottish researchers have identified potential evidence of an atmosphere surrounding an Earth-like planet located roughly 40 light-years from Earth, media reported Monday.

A team from the University of St Andrews published their groundbreaking study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, focusing on TRAPPIST-1e, a planet within the TRAPPIST-1 star system.

Positioned as the fourth planet in the TRAPPIST-1 lineup, TRAPPIST-1e lies firmly within its star’s habitable zone. This placement makes it a prime candidate for liquid water—provided the planet maintains an atmosphere.

For the first time, researchers employed the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to investigate both the presence of an atmosphere and the surface conditions necessary for habitability on TRAPPIST-1e.

The early results point to several possible scenarios, including the exciting prospect of an atmosphere, marking a critical advancement in the search for life-supporting environments beyond our solar system.

Ryan MacDonald, who helped analyze the spectral data from TRAPPIST-1e, stated, "We are seeing two possible explanations. The most exciting possibility is that TRAPPIST-1e could have a so-called secondary atmosphere containing heavy gases like nitrogen. But our initial observations cannot yet rule out a bare rock with no atmosphere."

The team is continuing observations with JWST to collect more detailed data, aiming to confirm the atmospheric composition of this distant world.

"TRAPPIST-1e has long been considered one of the best habitable zone planets to search for an atmosphere," MacDonald added.

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