TRAPPIST-1d is the lightest of the planets – about 30 percent the mass of Earth. TRAPPIST-1c also likely has a rocky interior, but with a thinner atmosphere than planet b. TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet, is likely to have a rocky core, surrounded by an atmosphere much thicker than Earth's. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltechīased on available data, here are scientists' best guesses about the appearances of the planets: This artist's concept shows what the TRAPPIST-1 planets may look like, based on available data about the planets' diameters, masses and distances from the host star, as of February 2018. Future study of this unique planetary system could reveal conditions suitable for life. This system of seven rocky worlds – all of them with the potential for water on their surface – is an exciting discovery in the search for life on other worlds. In 2017, NASA announced the discovery of the most Earth-sized planets found in the habitable zone of a single star, called TRAPPIST-1. As we continue checking off items on the habitability list, we'll draw closer and closer to finding a world bearing recognizable signs of life. We will gain a better understanding of temperatures on the surface. Key factsįuture space telescopes will be able to analyze the light from some of these planets, searching for water or a mixture of gases that resembles our own atmosphere. While these characteristics don't guarantee a habitable world – we can't quite tell yet if these planets really do possess atmospheres or oceans – they can help point us in the right direction. We've found rocky planets in Earth's size range, at the right distance from their parent stars to harbor liquid water (this is known as the habitable zone). These faraway worlds may have gaseous atmospheres, but that’s not a defining feature. In general, terrestrial planets have a bulk composition that is dominated by rock or iron, and a solid or liquid surface. The third planet from its star is illustrated here with a narrow band of water between the hot day side and icy night side of the planet.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |