A new framework for the study of planets outside the solar system could help the James Webb Telescope hunt for worlds that could support humans

Astronomers have analyzed the distant Earth-like planet TRAPPIST-1e to develop a framework that will help scientists determine if any planets outside the solar system could harbor life or could be fit for human habitation.

TRAPPIST-1e is one of seven worlds in the Trappist-1 system orbiting a relatively cool M-dwarf star located 39 light-years from Earth. The fact that all of these extrasolar planets  —  or exoplanets  —  are thought to be rocky or terrestrial worlds that are of similar sizes to Earth has made the TRAPPIST-1 system a primary focus for the search for life elsewhere in the universe.

Over the coming year, the system and TRAPPIST-1e  —  considered one of the most 'potentially habitable' exoplanets ever discovered  —  in particular, will be the subject of intense study by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).