First atmospheric spectroscopy of Earth-sized exoplanets

In summary, the Hubble telescope was able to conduct the first spectroscopy of the atmospheres of two Earth-sized exoplanets, TRAPPIST-1b and TRAPPIST-1c, ruling out a large hydrogen/helium atmosphere. The main star, TRAPPIST-1, and the two planets are just 40 light years away and ideal for studying the absorption and scattering of sunlight. While Hubble is not sensitive enough to search for specific gases, it can help identify potential candidates for further investigation with upcoming telescopes. These include the JWST in space and the E-ELT*, GMT, and TMT on the ground, with the E-ELT having as much mirror surface as the
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The Hubble telescope lead to the first spectroscopy of the atmospheres of two Earth-sized exoplanets, TRAPPIST-1b and TRAPPIST-1c. A large hydrogen/helium atmosphere could be ruled out - not that surprising, but still nice to have this confirmed.

The main star, TRAPPIST-1, is just 40 light years away and significantly smaller and cooler than our sun, and the two planets transit it as seen from Earth. Ideal viewing conditions to study how the sunlight gets absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere.

Hubble is not sensitive enough to search for gases like ozone, water vapor, or methane, but it can help to find candidates that can be investigated further with the upcoming better telescopes - JWST in space, and E-ELT*, GMT and TMT on the ground.

*the E-ELT will have as much mirror surface as the 20 largest existing telescopes combined.

Further details:
University website
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature18641.html
 
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It has been around as idea for a while, but I don't think there is any sunshade mission that got significant funding.
 
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1. What is atmospheric spectroscopy?

Atmospheric spectroscopy is a technique used to study the composition and properties of a planet's atmosphere by analyzing the light that passes through it. This light is broken down into its component wavelengths, revealing information about the gases and particles present in the atmosphere.

2. Why is studying Earth-sized exoplanets important?

Earth-sized exoplanets are of particular interest because they have the potential to support life. By studying their atmospheric composition, we can determine if they have the necessary conditions for life to exist, such as the presence of water and other essential elements.

3. How is the first atmospheric spectroscopy of Earth-sized exoplanets conducted?

The first atmospheric spectroscopy of Earth-sized exoplanets is typically done using large telescopes equipped with specialized instruments, such as spectrometers and coronagraphs. These instruments can detect and analyze the light from exoplanets as it passes through their atmospheres.

4. What can we learn from the first atmospheric spectroscopy of Earth-sized exoplanets?

By analyzing the light passing through an exoplanet's atmosphere, scientists can determine its chemical composition, temperature, and other important properties. This information can help us better understand the formation and evolution of exoplanets and their potential for supporting life.

5. What are the challenges of conducting atmospheric spectroscopy on Earth-sized exoplanets?

One of the main challenges is the distance between Earth and exoplanets, which makes it difficult to detect and analyze their faint signals. Additionally, the presence of clouds or hazes in the atmosphere can obscure the true composition of the planet's atmosphere, making it challenging to accurately interpret the spectroscopic data.

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