Study shows that TRAPPIST-1B may have an atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide

TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, may have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, according to research published Dec. 16 in Nature Astronomy. The TRAPPIST-1 system, which is located 40 light years from Earth and consists of seven Earth-sized exoplanets, has been puzzling astronomers since its discovery in 2017. Earlier studies had shown that these planets lacked atmospheres due to intense stellar radiation. However, recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has raised the possibility of a hazy, carbon dioxide-heavy atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1b.

Conclusion on atmospheric composition

According to reports, the study highlights new measurements taken at 12.8 micrometers, which show evidence of reflective haze in TRAPPIST-1b’s upper atmosphere. Researchers believe this haze may cause the upper layers to emit radiation rather than absorb it, challenging previous assumptions. Speaking to KU Leuven News, study co-author and researcher Leanne Dessin of KU Leuven in Belgium said that the two data points for TRAPPIST-1b allow them to explore different scenarios for its atmosphere, whether Exist or not.

Volcanism and surface conditions

Research also indicates elevated surface temperatures, suggesting possible volcanic activity. Similar dynamics have also been observed on Saturn’s moon Titan. TRAPPIST-1b’s atmospheric chemistry is expected to be unlike anything seen on Titan or in the Solar System, according to Michael Min of the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, who contributed to the study, in a statement.

ongoing studies

The team’s goal is to investigate the heat distribution on the planet’s surface to determine whether an atmosphere exists. Michel Gillan, an astronomer at the University of Liège who led the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, explained to Nature Astronomy that an atmosphere would facilitate the redistribution of heat from the planet’s day to night. Without it, heat transfer would be minimal.
According to experts, these findings could reshape the understanding of the atmospheres around exoplanets near red dwarf stars.