New Surface and Atmospheric Observations of TRAPPIST-1 b

BAERI alumn Taylor Bell has contributed to a new study that rethinks the nature of the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b, its surface and the existence of its atmosphere. The billion-year-old planet was thought to have a heavily weathered surface; however, the results of these new observations suggest the surface is only 1000 years old, possibly indicating geologic activity on the planet’s surface. Observations also show that TRAPPIST-1 b may have an atmosphere after all, a fact which contrasts with indications from earlier studies.

Click here to read a full write-up about the work, published by the Max Plank Institute for Astronomy.