Home
Science
Science News
TRAPPIST 1e Methane Signal Likely False, Webb Data Suggests Airless Planet

TRAPPIST-1e Methane Signal Likely False, Webb Data Suggests Airless Planet

New analysis of James Webb data shows the reported methane signal on TRAPPIST-1e was likely interference, suggesting the Earth-sized exoplanet may be airless and unable to support surface liquid water.

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 11 December 2025 16:48 IST

TRAPPIST-1e Methane Signal Likely False, Webb Data Suggests Airless Planet

Photo Credit: NASA

New James Webb findings suggest TRAPPIST-1e likely has no stable atmosphere

Click Here to Add Gadgets360 As A Trusted Source

Highlights

Webb data weakens evidence of methane on TRAPPIST-1e exoplanet
TRAPPIST-1e may be airless due to intense stellar radiation
Habitable-zone planet faces atmospheric loss challenges

In the TRAPPIST-1 system, which is about 39 light-years away, there are seven planets that are similar in size to Earth, all orbiting a cool red dwarf star. Three of these planets are in the "habitable zone," meaning there's a chance liquid water could be present there if they hold onto their atmospheres. However, recent data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope suggested there might be methane on TRAPPIST-1e, but scientists now believe those signals were likely just background interference.

The Planetary System

According to NASA, TRAPPIST-1 is a cool red dwarf about 39 light-years away that hosts seven Earth-sized planets. The entire system is compact: all seven planets would fit inside Mercury's orbit, and each orbits the star in just a few Earth days. Three of the planets (d, e, and f) lie in or near the habitable zone, where water might persist – if those worlds have atmospheres. However, TRAPPIST-1 frequently flares, showering its planets with ultraviolet radiation that can strip away atmospheres. This raises doubts about whether these planets can hold onto the air needed for life.

Habitability

TRAPPIST-1d's atmosphere does not appear to contain any carbon dioxide, methane, or water vapour, according to NASA's Webb telescope. This could indicate a very thin atmosphere or none at all. Scientists estimate that the ultraviolet light from TRAPPIST-1e would shred any methane in about 200,000 years, which is far too short for consistent replenishment. All of these results point to TRAPPIST-1e being potentially airless. A habitable-zone planet cannot hold onto surface water, which is essential to life, without an atmosphere.

Comments

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.