Hubble Makes First Measurements of Earth-Sized Exoplanet Atmospheres

The video discusses the discovery of three exoplanets orbiting the ultra-cool dwarf star Trappist-1, located 40 light-years away. The Hubble Space Telescope has begun characterizing the atmospheres of two of these Earth-sized planets, marking the first spectroscopic measurements of such exoplanets. Initial findings suggest these planets do not have thick hydrogen-helium atmospheres, increasing the likelihood they are rocky like Earth. Future observations with the Hubble and James Webb telescopes aim to further analyze these atmospheres for molecules like water vapor and methane, enhancing our understanding of potential habitability and the search for alien life.

What significant milestone did the Hubble Space Telescope achieve with the Trappist-1 exoplanets?

• First detection of water on an exoplanet

• First spectroscopic measurements of Earth-sized exoplanets

• First discovery of an exoplanet

• First observation of an exoplanet transit

What did the Hubble Space Telescope's data suggest about the atmospheres of Trappist 1B and 1C?

• They are likely miniature gas giants

• They have thick hydrogen-helium atmospheres

• They have atmospheres similar to Neptune

• They are probably rocky bodies like Earth

Which of the following is NOT a possible atmospheric scenario for Trappist 1B and 1C?

• Atmospheres composed entirely of carbon dioxide

• Thick atmospheres like Venus

• No atmospheres at all

• Moderate atmospheres with oxygen and water vapor

What will the James Webb Space Telescope be able to measure that Hubble cannot?

• Visible light spectra

• Infrared wavelengths for gases like carbon dioxide

• Radio waves from distant stars

• Magnetic fields of exoplanets

What is the ultimate goal of studying the Trappist-1 planetary system?

• To measure the speed of light

• To find new stars

• To find evidence of alien life

• To discover new galaxies