light curve shows the change in brightness of the TRAPPIST-1 system (IMAGE)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

light curve shows the change in brightness of the TRAPPIST-1 system

Caption

This light curve shows the change in brightness of the TRAPPIST-1 system as the second planet, TRAPPIST-1 c, moves behind the star. This phenomenon is known as a secondary eclipse. Astronomers used Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to measure the brightness of mid-infrared light. When the planet is beside the star, the light emitted by both the star and the dayside of the planet reach the telescope, and the system appears brighter. When the planet is behind the star, the light emitted by the planet is blocked and only the starlight reaches the telescope, causing the apparent brightness to decrease.

Credit

Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)

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License

Public Domain

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