Summary: New research from the Université de Montréal sheds light on the nature of the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system and the importance of parent stars in studying exoplanets.
Science News | New Information Revealed About Exoplanet’s Star, Atmosphere
Astronomers at the Université de Montréal have made significant progress in studying the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system. The research focuses on TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet orbiting closest to the system’s star, and sheds light on the complex interplay between stellar activity and exoplanet characteristics. TRAPPIST-1, located 40 light-years away from Earth, has seven Earth-sized exoplanets, three of which are within the star’s habitable zone. The observations of TRAPPIST-1 b were made using the James Webb Space Telescope, providing the first spectroscopic observations of any TRAPPIST-1 planet obtained by the JWST.
Understanding TRAPPIST-1 and Exoplanets
The TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system, located 40 light-years away from Earth, has captured the attention of scientists and space enthusiasts. It consists of seven Earth-sized exoplanets, three of which are within the star’s habitable zone, fueling hopes of finding potentially habitable environments beyond our solar system. The recent research from the Université de Montréal focuses on TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet closest to the system’s star. By studying this exoplanet, astronomers gain insights into the complex interplay between stellar activity and exoplanet characteristics.
Observations with the James Webb Space Telescope
The researchers at the Université de Montréal used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe TRAPPIST-1 b, marking the first spectroscopic observations of any TRAPPIST-1 planet obtained by the JWST. The observations were made during two transits of the planet, when it passes in front of its star. The Canadian-made NIRISS instrument aboard the JWST was used for these observations. The data collected provides valuable information about the nature of TRAPPIST-1 b and contributes to our understanding of exoplanets and their parent stars.