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new Research Refines Understanding of Potentially Habitable Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e

Tucson,‍ Arizona – december 5, ⁤2025 – Scientists at the University of ⁣Arizona ‍have released new findings concerning ⁤TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting ‍within the habitable zone‍ of its star. The research, published today, December 5, 2025, ‌offers a revised perspective on the planetS⁢ potential to support liquid water – a key ingredient for life as we know it.this renewed inquiry is crucial as astronomers prioritize targets for future observations with advanced telescopes like the ⁤James webb Space Telescope, seeking definitive evidence of biosignatures beyond our solar system.

TRAPPIST-1e is ⁢one of ⁢seven‌ planets discovered orbiting the ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1, located approximately 40 light-years from earth in the constellation Aquarius. while previously considered a strong candidate⁢ for habitability due to its size and orbital distance, ‌recent modeling suggests ⁤a⁢ more nuanced picture. The new research focuses on refining our understanding of the planet’s interior structure and atmospheric composition, factors critical in determining its long-term ability to retain water and maintain‍ a stable climate. The findings will‌ directly inform ‌the ⁢selection of observation strategies aimed at ⁢characterizing the atmospheres of these intriguing worlds.

The University of ‌Arizona team’s work builds upon previous studies that established ⁤TRAPPIST-1e’s position within the habitable ⁣zone – the region around a star where temperatures could allow liquid water to exist⁢ on ⁤a planet’s surface. Though, the star’s unique characteristics, including ​its lower temperature ‍and higher flare activity compared ⁢to our Sun, present challenges to ⁤habitability. The research addresses ​these challenges by exploring a range of possible ⁢scenarios for the planet’s composition and⁣ atmospheric properties.

Researchers utilized advanced computer modeling‍ to simulate various internal structures for TRAPPIST-1e, considering different combinations of iron, silicate,‌ and ⁣water.⁤ These simulations help constrain the planet’s density and radius, providing insights into its​ potential for volcanic activity and outgassing – processes that could replenish a planet’s atmosphere over⁤ time. The study emphasizes the‍ importance of future⁢ atmospheric observations to confirm​ these theoretical models and assess the true habitability of TRAPPIST-1e.

Citation: A new‍ look at TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized, habitable-zone exoplanet (2025, december 4) retrieved December 5, 2025, from https://phys.org/news/2025-12-trappist-1e-earth-sized-habitable.html.This‍ document is⁢ subject ‌to copyright and is intended for facts purposes only.

Asteroid Bennu Samples Reveal Rich supply of Amino⁣ Acids, Bolstering Theories on Life’s Origins

CAPE ⁤CANAVERAL, FL – November 29, 2025 – Initial analysis of samples returned from asteroid Bennu has revealed a significant abundance of organic compounds, including amino acids – the⁢ building blocks of proteins – offering compelling new evidence about the potential role asteroids played in seeding Earth with the ingredients for life. The⁣ findings, published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,‍ suggest Bennu underwent extensive aqueous alteration, a process​ involving water that facilitated the formation of these crucial molecules.

The ⁢finding marks ⁣a pivotal moment in astrobiology, potentially ​reshaping our‍ understanding⁣ of how life ​arose on Earth. For decades, scientists have theorized that asteroids and comets delivered organic molecules to our planet during its early ‍formation.The Bennu​ samples provide direct ⁤physical evidence supporting⁤ this ‍hypothesis, demonstrating that carbon-rich asteroids can indeed harbor and preserve the essential components for life. This research impacts ⁣fields ranging from‌ planetary science and chemistry to biology‌ and the search for extraterrestrial life, and ⁣future studies of the samples⁣ promise even deeper insights into the prebiotic chemistry of⁤ the early solar system.

Researchers, led by Angel Mojarro, analyzed samples⁢ collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which returned⁣ to ‌Earth in September ⁢2023 after ⁢a seven-year journey to‍ Bennu. The analysis revealed a diverse ‍suite of ‌prebiotic organic ‌compounds, ⁤indicating ⁢that the asteroid experienced prolonged interaction with liquid water.⁢ This aqueous alteration is believed to have created an environment conducive to the⁢ formation of amino acids and other complex organic molecules.

“These findings suggest that Bennu represents​ a time capsule of the early solar system, preserving materials from a ⁣period when‌ Earth was still forming,” explained Mojarro. “The presence of ⁤amino acids, especially in‍ this context,​ is ‍incredibly exciting.”

Bennu, a carbonaceous asteroid approximately 500 meters in diameter, is⁢ considered a relic from the early solar system, dating back to its formation roughly ⁤4.5 billion years ago. The ⁣OSIRIS-REx​ mission aimed to collect and⁤ return a sample from Bennu to ​Earth for detailed laboratory ‍analysis, providing scientists with an ⁢unprecedented opportunity to⁣ study pristine asteroid material.

The research team utilized advanced analytical techniques to identify and quantify the organic compounds within the Bennu samples. Their‍ findings indicate​ that the asteroid’s ⁤composition ‍is heterogeneous, with variations in organic content across different regions. this suggests that the aqueous alteration process was not uniform⁢ throughout the asteroid, leading⁣ to localized concentrations of prebiotic molecules.

Further analysis of the Bennu samples ⁤is ongoing, with scientists planning to investigate the chirality (handedness) of the⁢ amino acids​ and search for other complex organic molecules. These investigations could provide further clues about the origin of ⁤life on ‌Earth ⁢and‌ the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.

© 2025 Science X‍ Network. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2512461122.

NASA Shares First ⁢Detailed Views of Interstellar Comet C/2023 E3 (ZTF)

WASHINGTON – NASA has ⁣released detailed ‍images of comet C/2023 E3 (ZTF), a rare interstellar ​visitor currently ⁤making its closest approach‍ to Earth.The comet, first spotted by the ZTF​ telescope⁤ in Chile, is currently ⁣about 190 million miles (307​ million kilometers) from our planet, and was recently captured ⁢in​ striking detail by the Virtual Telescope Project’s ‍Gianluca Masi from Italy.

This comet’s ⁤journey offers a ⁢unique opportunity ‍for scientists to study material ‍from beyond our solar system, providing​ clues about the formation⁢ of planetary systems around other ⁢stars. C/2023 E3 ⁢(ZTF) is estimated to ⁢be between 1,444 ​feet (440 meters) and ⁢3.5 miles⁢ (5.6 kilometers) in diameter. It will reach⁢ its closest point⁤ to ⁤Earth – 167 million miles (269‌ million kilometers) – in mid-December before heading back into interstellar space, a journey from which it will not return.

The european Space Agency’s ⁤Juice ​spacecraft, en route​ to Jupiter, has also been observing ‍the comet with its ‌cameras and⁢ scientific ⁢instruments, notably after its closest approach to the sun. Though,data⁤ from Juice won’t be available until ‍February,as its⁣ main antenna is currently acting as a heat shield ⁤during ⁢its solar proximity,limiting data transmission.

For those on Earth, the comet is visible in the predawn sky with the aid‍ of binoculars or a telescope. This is a fleeting ⁢opportunity to witness a celestial object⁣ originating from outside our⁣ solar system, offering a glimpse into the diverse ‍building⁢ blocks of ⁤planetary systems throughout the galaxy.