New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope indicate that GJ 1132 b, a rocky planet close to an M-type red dwarf, is unable to maintain an atmosphere—a finding that undermines hopes for habitability around such stars.
Webb confirms that-GJ 1132 b has no atmosphere. This casts doubt on the habitability of planets around Nancy. M.
Astronomers often encounter conflicting results when investigating cosmic questions. This is a normal aspect of the scientific method, highlighting the need for more data to confirm or reject a hypothesis.
A notable example is the study of the exoplanet GJ 1132 b, where various observations have alternately indicated that it has an atmosphere or none at all. Using extended observing time with the Webb Telescope, researchers now report that GJ 1132 b almost certainly does not have an atmosphere, a conclusion that has broad implications for exoplanet research.
A rocky world is scrutinized
GJ 1132 b orbits an M-dwarf star about 41 light-years from Earth. The planet has attracted much attention because it is similar to Earth in some ways but completely different in others. It is rocky, and its radius and mass are only slightly larger than those of Earth. But it is only 0.0153 astronomical units from its host star and completes an orbit in just 1.6 days. Because of its close proximity, it seems unlikely that the planet could retain an atmosphere, although there are theoretical models in which worlds so close to M-dwarfs could do so.
The question is important because M dwarfs are very active stars, emitting intense radiation and frequent outbursts that can strip away atmospheres. In response, astronomers have developed the concept of a “cosmic shoreline,” which describes the threshold of radiation from the star and the size of the planet beyond which a planet can no longer maintain an atmosphere.
Artist's impression of GJ 1132 b – which now needs to be updated because it has now been determined that it has no atmosphere.
The new study directly addresses this debate and builds on previous research. Webb's previous observations of two planetary transits produced conflicting results: one indicated a water-rich atmosphere, the other no atmosphere at all. Analysis of two additional transits revealed that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that GJ 1132 b is likely airless.
A thin layer of vapor is considered
There is still room in the data for the possibility of a very low-pressure "vapor" atmosphere (around 1132 millibar), but most astronomers think it is not possible for this particular planet, due to its proximity to its star and the apparent absence of water, as noted in previous Webb studies. It is important to note that this possibility also disappears almost completely if the analysis in the first data set (which points to a water atmosphere) is not used - that is, according to three other data sets, there is agreement that GJ XNUMX b has no atmosphere.
Realizing this, the authors looked for a reason why the first data set didn't match the other three. When they looked at the star itself, it turned out that there were more "cold spots" on the planet's surface than in the other three passes, and this affected the data collected on the planet itself. The authors believe this is what led to the incorrect conclusion that the planet has an atmosphere.
Adapted from an article on The Conversation
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It's a childhood dream that's more suitable for "Hollywood" scripts. There's nowhere we can reach a state of life like our planet!