By simple rule, it is very likely that life as we know it develops in another place in the universe. There are billions of stars, around which different planets orbit, and it would be very strange if something similar to what happens with the Earth does not exist.
Scientists engaged in space exploration discovered a solar system very similar to ours, consisting of seven worlds moving around a massive star. The most surprising thing about this matter is that it is inside the Milky Way, our galaxy, 39 light years away.
Called TRAPPIST-1, it was discovered in 2016 by the Spitzer Space Telescope. The system is made up of seven rocky planets orbiting an ultracool dwarf star.
The planets in TRAPPIST-1 are all Earth-sized or smaller, and orbit very close to their star. The three innermost planets are in TRAPPIST-1’s habitable zone, meaning they could have liquid water on their surface.
TRAPPIST-1’s similarity to our solar system has sparked the interest of scientists, as it could be a good candidate to host extraterrestrial life.
TRAPPIST-1’s habitable zone is the region around the star where the temperature is suitable for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet.
The study of TRAPPIST-1 and its exoplanets represents an exciting step forward in our understanding of the cosmos. Scientists have set their sights on these alien worlds, seeking answers about their atmospheric composition, their potential habitability, and the possibility of finding signs of life beyond our own Earth sphere.
As we unravel the mysteries of Trappist-1, a new chapter opens in space exploration and our understanding of the universe. Astronomers and exoplanet experts continue to use a variety of observation and analysis techniques to shed light on these fascinating planets and their host stars.