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.
New James Webb findings suggest TRAPPIST-1e likely has no stable atmosphere
Photo Credit: NASA
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.
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.
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.
Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2026 hub.