Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers studied TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized exoplanet in a habitable zone 40 light-years away. Initial data, while challenging to interpret due to stellar contamination, suggests two possibilities: a secondary atmosphere containing heavy gases like nitrogen, or a lack of atmosphere altogether. Further JWST observations are planned to clarify the planet's atmospheric composition and potential habitability.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.