TRAPPIST-1g Planet
Discovering TRAPPIST-1g
In the cosmic ballet, TRAPPIST-1g takes center stage as a super-Earth orbiting the ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1. Discovered in 2017, this intriguing exoplanet beckons us to explore its icy realms and ponder the potential for habitability.
TRAPPIST-1g Size Compared to Earth
TRAPPIST-1g has a diameter approximately 1.129 times that of Earth.
TRAPPIST-1g Mass Compared to Earth in Percentage
The mass of TRAPPIST-1g is approximately 1.321 times that of Earth.
TRAPPIST-1g Surface Gravity Compared to Earth
The surface gravity of TRAPPIST-1g is about 1.035 times that of Earth, equivalent to approximately 10.15 m/s².
Surface Temperature of TRAPPIST-1g
The equilibrium temperature of TRAPPIST-1g is 197.3 K (−75.8 °C; −104.5 °F).
Does TRAPPIST-1g Have Oxygen?
The available information does not specify whether TRAPPIST-1g has oxygen. Determining the composition of an exoplanet's atmosphere typically requires direct observational data.
Is TRAPPIST-1g Habitable?
TRAPPIST-1g is considered an outside contender for habitability. It has a diameter slightly larger than Earth and a mass 30% greater. Its location just outside the habitable zone suggests it might be covered in a frozen ocean. However, its large mass could help retain an atmosphere, potentially making it a Hycean world with a thick atmosphere and the possibility of a warm ocean beneath.
TRAPPIST-1g Atmosphere Composition
The atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1g is uncertain, but it could range from having a thick ice envelope if an atmosphere is absent to the possibility of a global water ocean or an exceptionally thick steam atmosphere.
TRAPPIST-1g Distance from Earth in Light Years
TRAPPIST-1g is located at a distance of approximately 40.7 light-years (12.5 parsecs) away from Earth in the constellation Aquarius.
10 Interesting Fun Facts About TRAPPIST-1g
- Discovery: TRAPPIST-1g was discovered on 22 February 2017 using the transit method with observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope.
- Host Star: The exoplanet orbits an ultracool dwarf star named TRAPPIST-1 with a mass of 0.08 M☉, a radius of 0.11 R☉, and a temperature of 2550 K.
- Habitability Considerations: Despite being just outside the habitable zone, TRAPPIST-1g could potentially retain an atmosphere due to its large mass, leading to the possibility of a Hycean world.
- Stellar Characteristics: TRAPPIST-1 is metal-rich, with a metallicity ([Fe/H]) of 0.04, and its luminosity (L☉) is 0.05% that of the Sun.
- Orbital Features: TRAPPIST-1g orbits its host star with an orbital period of about 12.352 days and an orbital radius of about 0.04683 AU.
- Stable Climate: The low eccentricity of TRAPPIST-1g's orbit, combined with its 3:2 orbital resonance with TRAPPIST-1h and a 3:4 resonance with TRAPPIST-1f, suggests a stable climate.
- Density Comparison: With a density only slightly less than Earth's, TRAPPIST-1g is likely a rocky planet, although initial estimates suggested a density of about 76% of Earth's.
- Potential Atmosphere: The exoplanet could have a thick ice envelope or an atmosphere containing hundreds of bars of abiotic oxygen, according to simulations.
- Water Content Evidence: On 31 August 2017, astronomers reported the first evidence of possible water content on the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets.
- Age of the System: The age of the TRAPPIST-1 star system is estimated to be about 7.6±2.2 billion years old.
Size and Structure
Dive into the dimensions of TRAPPIST-1g, a super-Earth boasting a diameter 1.129 times that of our home planet. With a mass 30% greater than Earth, it presents a unique blend of size and density, hinting at a rocky composition.
Habitability Odds
TRAPPIST-1g's orbit, completing every 12.4 days at a distance of 4.19 million miles from its star, places it in an intriguing position. While likely just outside the habitable zone, the planet's significant mass could be its key to maintaining an atmosphere, fostering the possibility of a Hycean world.
Alien Ocean or Steamy Atmosphere?
Delve into the potential characteristics of TRAPPIST-1g's atmosphere. Could it harbor a global water ocean, or does an exceptionally thick steam atmosphere shroud its surface? Scientific simulations offer glimpses into the atmospheric dynamics of this distant celestial body.
TRAPPIST-1g's Host Star
Explore the fascinating features of TRAPPIST-1, an M-type ultracool dwarf star. With a mere 0.05% of the Sun's luminosity, this ancient star, approximately 7.6 billion years old, sets the stage for the unique conditions surrounding TRAPPIST-1g.
Orbital Dance
Witness the intricate dance of TRAPPIST-1g around its host star, orbiting with a period of 12.354 days. Positioned at the outer limit of TRAPPIST-1's habitable zone, its stable climate and orbital resonance with neighboring planets add layers to its cosmic narrative.
Potential for Liquid Oceans and Atmospheric Clues
Composition Insights
Peer into the composition of TRAPPIST-1g, with a radius of 1.129 times that of Earth. While initial estimates hinted at a density of 76% of Earth's, recent findings suggest a potential thick ice envelope, raising questions about the presence of a habitable surface.
Atmosphere's Role
The atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1g takes center stage in the quest for habitability. Could this super-Earth boast a global water ocean beneath its gaseous veil? Scientific simulations propose scenarios where primordial steam atmospheres endure, painting a picture of a world veiled in mystery.
Hubble's Revelations
On August 31, 2017, astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope provided a tantalizing glimpse into TRAPPIST-1g's potential water content. This groundbreaking revelation fuels the ongoing quest to understand the exoplanet's atmospheric dynamics and the likelihood of liquid oceans.
Discovery Details
Unearth the specifics of TRAPPIST-1g's discovery, a product of observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope. Delving into its orbital characteristics, eccentricity, and resonance with other planets, we unravel the intricacies that make this exoplanet a subject of astronomical fascination.
As we gaze into the depths of space, TRAPPIST-1g stands as a testament to the diversity of exoplanets, sparking curiosity about the potential for life beyond our solar system. Join us on this cosmic journey as we unveil the mysteries of TRAPPIST-1g and explore the frontiers of exoplanetary exploration.