Recent observation of TRAPPIST-1 d using James Webb’s NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) tool did not show any sign of water, methane, and carbon dioxide on the planet, screening it out of the contest for an Earth-like planet. TRAPPIST-1 d being a rocky planet, Earth-sized, and also the third from its star, has been an object of interest in the circle of astronomers.
Give its distance from its star, scientists have had the idea it could hold liquid water, giving them even more reasons to believe it might be capable of supporting life. While it is in the temperate zone of its star, it makes a complete revolution around it in just four Earth days.
While its closeness to its star provides it with some advantages that could favor life, it also comes with its fair share of disadvantages. Being a red dwarf star, TRAPPIST-1 is known for its volatility — frequently emitting high-energy radiation. These flares can thin out or completely remove a planet’s atmosphere. If this is to be the case with TRAPPIST-1 d, it gives a valid explanation for Webb’s results.
The lead author of a paper on the study — Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb — pointed out a lack of atmosphere as a possible reason for Webb’s findings. She also suggested two other situations: an atmosphere too thin to be detected and the presence of thick, high-altitude clouds causing obstruction.
Having ruled out TRAPPIST-1 d, the researchers believe the other TRAPPIST-1 planets might still have atmospheres.
While we didn’t find a big, bold atmospheric signature at planet d, there is still potential for the outer planets to be holding onto a lot of water and other atmospheric components. — Piaulet-Ghorayeb.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 130 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.