Seven temperate terrestrial planets around the nearby ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 | Nature
www.nature.com
Date posted: June 8, 2025 at 5:33am
Last year, three Earth-sized planets were discovered to be orbiting the nearby Jupiter-sized star TRAPPIST-1; now, follow-up photometric observations from the ground and from space show that there are at least seven Earth-sized planets in this star system, and that they might be the right temperature to harbour liquid water on their surfaces. Michaël Gillon et al. report the results of a photometric monitoring campaign of the star TRAPPIST-1 from the ground and space. They reveal that at least seven planets with sizes and masses similar to Earth revolve around this Jupiter-sized star. These planets all have equilibrium temperatures low enough to make it possible for liquid water to exist on their surfaces. One aim of modern astronomy is to detect temperate, Earth-like exoplanets that are w
Expanded Summary
The discovery of seven temperate terrestrial planets orbiting the ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 marks a significant milestone in the search for Earth-like exoplanets. Following the initial identification of three Earth-sized planets within this star system, recent photometric observations conducted from both ground-based and space telescopes have confirmed the existence of at least four additional planets, all exhibiting sizes and masses comparable to our own planet. These findings are particularly exciting as they suggest that these planets maintain equilibrium temperatures conducive to the presence of liquid water on their surfaces, a critical factor for life as we know it. The research conducted by Michaël Gillon and his team not only enhances our understanding of planetary systems but also fuels the ongoing quest to find habitable worlds beyond our solar system. This breakthrough reinforces the notion that the TRAPPIST-1 system is a prime candidate for further exploration in search of extraterrestrial life.
What you’ll learn
Discover the significance of the TRAPPIST-1 star system in the search for habitable exoplanets.
Understand the methods used in photometric observations to detect Earth-sized planets.
Explore the implications of finding planets with conditions suitable for liquid water.
Why this matters
The identification of multiple Earth-sized planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system represents a groundbreaking advancement in our quest to understand the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth. As scientists continue to discover exoplanets in the habitable zone, these findings could reshape our theories about the prevalence of life in the cosmos and inform future missions aimed at exploring these distant worlds. The more we learn about such planetary systems, the closer we come to answering one of humanity's most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?
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