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 future observations are planned to further investigate the atmospheres of these exoplanets?

In what ways are telescopes on the ground and in space advancing our search for alien life?