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TRAPPIST-1h

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description TRAPPIST-1h Overview

TRAPPIST-1h is an Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting the TRAPPIST-1 star. It’s notable as the most distant planet in this system and a key target for studying potentially habitable environments. Scientists investigate its atmospheric conditions and temperature to assess whether it could sustain liquid water, though current data suggests low energy input makes surface water unlikely without significant greenhouse warming. This exoplanet is of interest to astronomers researching planetary formation and habitability beyond our solar system.

help TRAPPIST-1h FAQ

Where is the TRAPPIST-1h exoplanet located?

TRAPPIST-1h is the outermost planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, located about 40 light-years away from Earth. It resides in the constellation of Aquarius. The system is named after the TRAPPIST (Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope) in Chile.

How long is a year on TRAPPIST-1h?

Because it orbits very close to its cool host star, TRAPPIST-1h completes a full orbit in approximately 18.7 Earth days. This makes its "year" less than three weeks long. Despite this close proximity, it receives very little energy from the dim red dwarf star.

Could TRAPPIST-1h support life?

Scientists believe TRAPPIST-1h is likely too cold to support liquid surface water on its own. It receives less stellar energy than Mars does from our Sun, relying on a strong greenhouse effect to maintain habitable temperatures. However, tidal heating could potentially warm its interior.

How was the TRAPPIST-1 system confirmed?

The TRAPPIST-1 system was first announced in 2016, but the full confirmation of its seven planets, including TRAPPIST-1h, came in early 2017. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope played a crucial role in observing the planets transiting the star. This discovery made it the largest known system of Earth-sized planets.

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