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Animation of Two Earth-Sized Worlds Transiting Red Dwarf Star

This animation shows two Earth-sized planets passing in front of their parent red dwarf star. The Hubble Space Telescope was used to spectroscopically search for evidence of extended atmospheres around these planets, but no evidence was found. This leaves open the possibility the planets have thinner, denser atmospheres like Earth's. Researchers think that at least one of the planets, and possibly both, may be within the star's habitable zone, where moderate temperatures could allow for liquid water to exist on the surface.
  • Release Date
    July 20, 2016
  • Science Release
    NASA’s Hubble Telescope Makes First Atmospheric Study of Earth-Sized Exoplanets
    Read the release
  • Credits
    NASA, ESA, and G. Bacon (STScI)

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Artist's View of Planets Transiting Red Dwarf Star in TRAPPIST-1 System

Artist's View of Planets Transiting Red Dwarf Star in TRAPPIST-1 System

This illustration shows two Earth-sized worlds passing in front of their parent red dwarf star, which is much smaller and cooler than our sun. The planets, TRAPPIST-1b and TRAPPIST-1c, reside 40 light-years away. They are between 20 and 100 times closer to their star than Earth...

TRAPPIST-1 System Compared with Mercury Orbit (Artist's Illustration)

TRAPPIST-1 System Compared with Mercury Orbit (Artist's Illustration)

The TRAPPIST-1 system, consisting of several known Earth-sized planets orbiting a red dwarf star, would fit deep inside the orbit of the sun's innermost planet, Mercury.

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Last Updated
Mar 03, 2025
Contact
Media

Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov

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