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Google doodle celebrates NASA’s discovery of Trappist-1 solar system exoplanets

This artist’s impression shows an imagined view of the three planets orbiting an ultracool dwarf star just 40 light-years from Earth that were discovered using the TRAPPIST telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory. These worlds have sizes and temperatures similar to those of Venus and Earth and may be the best targets found so far for the search for life outside the Solar System. They are the first planets ever discovered around such a tiny and dim star. In this view one of the inner planets is seen in transit across the disc of its tiny and dim parent star.
Image Credit: Credits: ESO/M. Kornmesser/N. Risinger (skysurvey.org)
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Following the thrilling announcement that NASA has discovered nearby planets that could possibly support life, the great minds at Google have decided to offer the highest of scientific honors.

A doodle.

NASA said that three of seven planets orbiting the Trappist-1 ultra-cool dwarf star could have the right mix of factors to support life. The solar system is just a hop, skip, and a jump of 39 light years from Earth. Close, in galactic terms, but don’t try to book a trip on Expedia just yet.

For now, the space agency says it will continue to monitor the system for signs of life, using its most advanced telescope — the James Webb Space Telescope — which is currently under construction. It has infrared sensitivity that will be able to detect essential elements for life, including carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other molecules common in the atmospheres of the rocky planets in our own solar system.

Until that’s completed, or the aliens arrive to blow up the White House, enjoy the doodle:

 

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