James Webb Space Telescope Uncovers Secrets of TRAPPIST-1 Exoplanet

Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest that the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanet, TRAPPIST-1b, may lack a thick hydrogen atmosphere and instead be a bare rock with a surface temperature of 232 degrees Celsius. The active surface of the red dwarf star at the center of the TRAPPIST-1 system is interfering with efforts to observe the planet's atmosphere. Stellar activity, including bright faculae, dark star-spots, and flares, creates contrasting lines that mimic absorption lines in the planet's spectrum. Mitigating this interference will be crucial for future observations of the other planets in the system.