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James Webb Finds No Atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1d

8/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The James Webb Space Telescope detected no Earth-like atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1d, consistent with findings for TRAPPIST-1b and c.
Possible explanations include a thin atmosphere or dense cloud cover.
Red dwarf stars may strip atmospheres from planets due to radiation flares.
Four other planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system remain potential candidates for habitability.
The European Space Agency's PLATO mission will improve the search for rocky planets in habitable zones.

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Story summary

The James Webb Space Telescope detected no Earth-like atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1d, consistent with findings for TRAPPIST-1b and c.
Possible explanations include a thin atmosphere or dense cloud cover.
Red dwarf stars may strip atmospheres from planets due to radiation flares.
Four other planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system remain potential candidates for habitability.
The European Space Agency's PLATO mission will improve the search for rocky planets in habitable zones.