TRAPPIST1e

TRAPPIST-1e is one of seven known Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting the ultra-cool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1, located approximately 40 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius. It is the fourth planet from its star. TRAPPIST-1e orbits within the habitable zone of its star, the region where conditions might be right for liquid water to exist on the planet's surface. The TRAPPIST-1 system is notable for its compact arrangement of planets, with most orbiting much closer to their star than Mercury orbits our Sun.

The seven planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system are believed to be rocky, similar in size to Earth. TRAPPIST-1e is estimated to have a radius of about 0.92 times that of Earth and a mass around 0.69 times Earth's mass. Its orbital period is about 6.06 Earth days. Due to its proximity to its star, TRAPPIST-1e is likely tidally locked, meaning one side perpetually faces the star while the other remains in darkness. The presence and composition of an atmosphere are currently unknown and are key areas of ongoing research.

The discovery of TRAPPIST-1e and its siblings has generated significant scientific interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. Future observations, particularly with advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, aim to study the atmospheres of these planets to search for biosignatures, chemical indicators that could suggest the presence of life. Understanding the habitability of TRAPPIST-1e relies heavily on determining if it possesses an atmosphere and if liquid water could indeed be stable on its surface.