CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (NASA/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) – Astronomers have announced a groundbreaking discovery that could change our understanding of the universe. A planet, similar in size to Earth, has been identified as part of the “TRAPPIST-1” system, located 40 light years away. This exoplanet was discovered during preliminary observations from the James Webb Space Telescope.
Experts are optimistic about the potential habitability of this celestial body. They said, “They could soon confirm if the exoplanet is habitable and could sustain liquid water.” If confirmed, it would mark the first time in history that an Earth-like atmosphere has been discovered on an exoplanet.
The “TRAPPIST-1” planetary system was first located in 2016 by five Belgian astronomers, who also named it. The system has been heavily studied, with additional planets known to orbit the star.
The findings have been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.