Animation of the planets in orbit around TRAPPIST-1

This animation outlines the orbits of the seven planets orbiting the ultracool dwarf TRAPPIST-1. The system is viewed from above. Just below the star, the constellation of Orion is visible, though it appears slightly different from our familiar view from Earth as it is seen from a different star system.

The artist’s impression in this video is based on the known physical parameters for the planets and stars seen, and uses a vast database of objects in the Universe.