NASA scientists are using the James Webb Space Telescope to study TRAPPIST-1 e, an Earth-sized exoplanet in the TRAPPIST-1 system that may harbor water.

The planet orbits its red dwarf star at a distance where surface water is theoretically possible, though astronomers first need to confirm whether it has an atmosphere.

Using Webb’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph, researchers analyze starlight passing through the planet’s atmosphere during transits, which creates spectral dips that can reveal chemical composition.

Initial observations suggest TRAPPIST-1 e has lost its primary hydrogen-helium atmosphere due to stellar flares but may have developed a heavier secondary atmosphere, similar to Earth, CBS News has reported.

Scientists continue to explore the potential for oceans, ice, or liquid water on the planet, noting that a greenhouse effect from atmospheric gases could stabilize temperatures, making TRAPPIST-1 e a key target in the search for habitable worlds.