TRAPPIST1b

TRAPPIST-1b is the innermost known planet of the TRAPPIST-1 system, a collection of seven Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting an ultra-cool dwarf star. It is located approximately 40 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius. TRAPPIST-1b orbits its star very closely, completing one revolution in just 1.5 Earth days. Due to this proximity, it is likely tidally locked, meaning one side perpetually faces the star while the other remains in darkness.

The planet is estimated to be slightly larger than Earth, with a radius about 1.1 times that of our planet. Its mass is also comparable to Earth's, suggesting a rocky composition. However, its close orbit to the TRAPPIST-1 star results in intense stellar radiation. This high level of irradiation is expected to prevent TRAPPIST-1b from retaining a substantial atmosphere, or if it has one, it would likely be very hot and composed of heavier molecules.

The surface temperature of TRAPPIST-1b is estimated to be around 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit), making it too hot to support liquid water. While it is part of a system where some planets reside in the habitable zone, TRAPPIST-1b itself is not considered a candidate for habitability due to its extreme temperature. Its detection was a significant achievement in exoplanet research, showcasing the capabilities of telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope in studying these distant worlds.