Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

Exoplanets Could be Hiding Their Atmospheres

One of the most intriguing planetary systems is TRAPPIST-1, with several Earth-sized worlds orbiting a red dwarf star, and astronomers have already scanned planets to search for evidence of an atmosphere. The first two worlds appear to be airless super-mercuries, and the hope lies on the next few planets, which orbit in the star's habitable zone. But what if the planets are hiding their atmospheres? A new paper suggests that night-side clouds can mimic an airless world.

None

Get the Android app