James Webb Telescope Discovers TRAPPIST-1 e Lacks Primary Atmosphere

Updated on: September 08, 2025 | By: Jameswebb Discovery Editorial Team

Unveiling TRAPPIST-1 e: Webb’s Breakthrough Insights into an Earth-Sized Exoplanet’s Atmosphere and Potential for Life

Using its Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), the James Webb Space Telescope has observed TRAPPIST-1 e during four transits—moments when the planet passes in front of its star. During these transits, starlight filters through the planet’s atmosphere (if present), allowing scientists to analyze the light’s spectrum for chemical signatures. According to Néstor Espinoza, a principal investigator at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, “Webb’s infrared instruments are giving us more detail than we’ve ever had access to before.” These initial observations, conducted as part of the JWST Telescope Scientist Team’s DREAMS (Deep Reconnaissance of Exoplanet Atmospheres using Multi-instrument Spectroscopy) collaboration, provide a foundation for understanding the planet’s potential atmosphere and surface.

Key Findings So Far

1. Primary Atmosphere Unlikely: The research team has determined that TRAPPIST-1 e likely does not retain its primary atmosphere, which would have been composed of lightweight gases like hydrogen and helium. The host star, TRAPPIST-1, is highly active, with frequent stellar flares that likely stripped away such an atmosphere due to intense radiation. This finding aligns with expectations for planets orbiting volatile red dwarf stars.

2. Secondary Atmosphere Possibilities: While a primary atmosphere is improbable, there remains a chance that TRAPPIST-1 e has developed a secondary atmosphere, similar to Earth’s, which formed after the loss of its original atmosphere. The data collected so far suggests an equal probability that the planet either lacks an atmosphere entirely or possesses a secondary one. Further observations will help clarify this.

3. Carbon Dioxide-Dominated Atmosphere Unlikely: The team’s analysis indicates that TRAPPIST-1 e’s atmosphere, if present, is unlikely to be dominated by carbon dioxide, ruling out scenarios similar to Venus’s thick CO2 atmosphere or Mars’s thin one. However, a modest amount of carbon dioxide could still support a greenhouse effect, potentially allowing liquid water to exist on the planet’s surface.

4. Potential for Liquid Water: If TRAPPIST-1 e has an atmosphere with a greenhouse effect, it could sustain liquid water, either as a global ocean or in localized regions. Because the planet is likely tidally locked—meaning one side perpetually faces the star while the other remains in darkness—water might exist in a habitable band where the star is always overhead, surrounded by ice on the darker regions.

Innovative Methods in Exoplanet Research

The research team, led by Espinoza and co-principal investigator Natalie Allen of Johns Hopkins University, is employing a groundbreaking approach to study TRAPPIST-1 e. They are conducting 15 additional observations, strategically timed to capture transits of both TRAPPIST-1 e and its neighboring planet, TRAPPIST-1 b, which orbits closest to the star. Previous Webb observations suggest that TRAPPIST-1 b is a bare rock with no atmosphere, making it an ideal reference point. By comparing the spectra of the two planets during near-simultaneous transits, scientists can isolate signals from TRAPPIST-1 e’s potential atmosphere, minimizing interference from the star’s variability.This innovative method enhances the precision of Webb’s data, allowing researchers to better distinguish atmospheric signals from stellar noise. Ana Glidden, a post-doctoral researcher at MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, emphasized the significance of this approach: “We’re in a new age of exploration that’s very exciting to be a part of.”

Implications for Habitability and Future Research

The findings from TRAPPIST-1 e are a critical step in understanding the habitability of exoplanets around red dwarf stars, which are the most common type of star in our galaxy. Unlike our Sun, TRAPPIST-1 is a cooler, smaller star, and its planetary system challenges conventional assumptions about planetary atmospheres and habitability. As Nikole Lewis, an associate professor of astronomy at Cornell University, noted, “TRAPPIST-1 is a very different star from our Sun, and so the planetary system around it is also very different.” While the current data does not confirm the presence of an atmosphere or liquid water, it narrows down the possibilities and sets the stage for future observations. The additional 15 transits being analyzed will provide more comprehensive data, potentially revealing whether TRAPPIST-1 e could support life. These findings contribute to NASA’s broader mission to explore the universe and answer fundamental questions about our place in it.

Why TRAPPIST-1 e Matters

The study of TRAPPIST-1 e is more than just a scientific curiosity—it’s a milestone in humanity’s search for extraterrestrial life. The James Webb Space Telescope’s ability to probe the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets 40 light-years away showcases the power of modern astronomy. Each observation brings us closer to understanding whether habitable worlds exist beyond our solar system and whether life could thrive in environments vastly different from our own.For enthusiasts tracking James Webb discoveries, TRAPPIST-1 e represents a tantalizing glimpse into the possibilities of alien worlds. Its position in the habitable zone, combined with Webb’s cutting-edge technology, makes it a prime candidate for further study. As more data is collected, we may soon have a clearer picture of what this distant planet is like and whether it could harbor the conditions necessary for life.

The James Webb Space Telescope: A Game-Changer for Exoplanet Research

Launched as the world’s premier space science observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope is revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos. With its advanced infrared capabilities, Webb can peer through cosmic dust and analyze the light from distant stars and planets with unprecedented precision. The TRAPPIST-1 e observations are just one example of how Webb is pushing the boundaries of exoplanet research, from studying nearby solar system objects to probing the origins of the universe.Webb is an international collaboration led by NASA, with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Its ability to collect detailed spectroscopic data, as demonstrated in the TRAPPIST-1 e study, underscores its role as a cornerstone of modern astrophysics.

Stay Updated on James Webb Discoveries

The exploration of TRAPPIST-1 e is an ongoing journey, and www.jameswebbdiscovery.com is your go-to source for the latest updates on this and other groundbreaking discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope. From exoplanets to distant galaxies, we’re committed to bringing you detailed, SEO-optimized coverage of Webb’s contributions to science. For more information on the TRAPPIST-1 system and other exoplanet discoveries, check out our related articles:

• James Webb Telescope measures temperature of rocky exoplanet TRAPPIST-1b

• James Webb Telescope Rules Out Earth-Like Atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1 d

• The Habitable Zone: Where Life Might Thrive Beyond Earth

Follow us for real-time updates on Webb’s mission and join the conversation about the search for life in the universe. With each new observation, we’re one step closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone?