With the rapid development of human space observation technology, the “three-body system” within tens of light years of the Earth – that is, a multi-planet or multi-star system – has become an important field for searching for habitable planets. Among them, the TRAPPIST-1 system has always attracted much attention, and recent observations have also revealed other candidate worlds such as Wolf 1069 b and Luyten b, triggering a new round of discussions in the scientific community about the potential of extraterrestrial life.
TRAPPIST-1: The most abundant representative of habitable zone planetary systems
TRAPPIST-1 is a super-cold red dwarf star located approximately 39 to 41 light-years away from Earth. It has been confirmed that it has seven rocky planets similar in size to Earth, among which at least three (e, f, and g) are within its star’s “habitable zone”, providing conditions for the potential existence of liquid water. Research has found that the densities and structures of these planets are similar, and they may contain substances like iron, magnesium, and silicon. However, their average density is about 8% lower than that of the Earth, suggesting differences in their composition ratios or internal structures.
However, the livability potential of this system also faces challenges. Research by the University of Arizona in the United States and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, among other institutions, indicates that TRAPPIST-1 emits a large amount of high-energy particle streams. These highly energetic protons may damage the atmospheres of planets, especially those located within the habitable zone, which are more likely to be exposed to intense radiation. Meanwhile, the tidal interactions between planets may trigger geological activities and even maintain ocean temperatures, creating special environmental dynamic conditions.
In addition, the first spectral observation of TRAPPIST-1 b by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has also given astronomers an initial glimpse of its atmospheric features. Although the complete atmosphere has not yet been confirmed, it has become an important foundation for subsequent research.
Wolf 1069b: Habitable potential near Earth mass
Wolf 1069 b, which is about 31 light-years away from Earth, is currently the sixth candidate for a habitable zone planet closest to Earth discovered. Its mass is approximately 1.26 times that of the Earth, and the intensity of the light it receives from stars is about 65% of that of the Earth, maintaining suitable temperature conditions. This planet may be tidally locked (with “eternal day” and “eternal night” planes), but this does not mean that it cannot support life.
Based on the observations of the CARMENES project using the radial velocity method, the discovery of Wolf 1069b provides an important example for Earth-mass planets within the relatively close “habitable zone”, and also offers an ideal target for climate model and life potential research.
Luyten b: A key sample of a super-Earth
Another potential inhabitant is Luyten b (Gliese 273b), which is about 12 light-years away from Earth and is the fourth closest super-Earth to Earth. This planet has a mass approximately 2.9 times that of the Earth, receives slightly more light than the Earth, and its estimated surface temperature is similar to that of the Earth. The stable radiation environment of red dwarfs enhances their appeal as candidate habitable planets.
The mysterious planet of the Alpha Centauri system may bring hope back
Alpha Centauri A was recently captured by JWST as an image of an Earth-like planet that might exist in its habitable zone, which is hailed as one of the most significant potential discoveries of JWST to date. However, the subsequent two observations failed to re-image it. Scientists speculate that it might have temporarily become “invisible” due to the change in its orbital position, entering the flare area. If its existence is confirmed, it will become one of the habitable zone planets closest to us that can be directly imaged. It is expected to be confirmed through more observations in 2026-2027.
Scientific prospects and future observational directions
In the TRAPPIST-1 system, which is approximately 39 to 41 light-years away from Earth, many rocky Earth-like planets are located within the habitable zone and have potential conditions for the existence of liquid water. However, whether their atmospheres can remain stable for a long time still needs further verification. Wolf 1069 b, located about 31 light-years away, has a mass close to that of the Earth and may be in a tidally locked state, making it an ideal target for climate model simulations and research on the potential of life. Luyten b, which is only about 12 light-years away from the Earth, is a super-Earth orbiting a radiation-stable red dwarf star. Its surface temperature is close to that of the Earth, increasing its habitability. In the Alpha Centauri system, which is about 4.4 light-years away from Earth, scientists have observed a planet suspected to be an Earth-like star located within the habitable zone, but its existence still awaits confirmation from subsequent images.
In the future, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Nancy Grace Roman space Telescope, expected to be launched in 2027, and several advanced ground-based telescopes will continue to conduct in-depth observations of these candidate planets. Especially, breakthroughs have been made in atmospheric composition analysis and potential biological signal detection.
Summary: The near-Earth “three-body system” may become the next human vision
The neighboring planets under the labels of TRAPPIST-1, Wolf 1069 b, Luyten b, and Alpha Centauri each have habitable potential and are wonderful objects for current astronomical research and future space exploration. Although challenges still exist, such as atmospheric loss and high-energy radiation, future precise observations and model simulations may reveal which neighboring planets could truly become Windows for humanity to understand “non-Earth life”.
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