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The Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 e Takes Its Turn In The JWST's Spotlight

This artist's illustration shows the Earth-size exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 e, depicted at the lower right as it transits in front of its star. After observing four transits, the JWST data suggests the planet has lost its primordial atmosphere due to stellar flaring. With more transits scheduled, scientists hope that the JWST can determine more about the planet, including the existence of any type of atmosphere at all. Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)

The JWST has begun examining the atmosphere of the habitable zone planet TRAPPIST-1 e. It's not finished yet, but the first observations indicate that the the planet hasn't retained its primary, or original, atmosphere. The TRAPPIST-1 star exhibits powerful flaring that likely stripped it away.



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