New Observations Suggest TRAPPIST-1 b May Have an Atmosphere or Active Geology

Recent JWST data reveal conflicting evidence about the exoplanet's surface and atmospheric conditions, challenging earlier conclusions of a barren, airless world.

TRAPPIST-1 b, located 40 light-years away, was previously thought to lack an atmosphere based on earlier single-wavelength JWST observations.
New measurements at two mid-infrared wavelengths suggest two possible scenarios: a geologically active surface or a CO2-rich atmosphere with haze and thermal inversion.
The planet's surface appears to be composed of young, unweathered material, potentially due to volcanic or tectonic activity, indicating ongoing geological processes.
An alternative explanation involves a thick atmosphere with haze, similar to Saturn’s moon Titan, but this model raises questions about long-term atmospheric stability near its active red dwarf star.
Future phase curve measurements and advanced modeling are expected to provide more definitive insights into the planet's heat distribution and atmospheric presence.