How did Hubble confirm water vapor on GJ 9827d?

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Hubble Confirmed Water Vapor on GJ 9827d by Analyzing Filtered Starlight During Transits

The Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapor on the exoplanet GJ 9827d by observing the planet as it transited, or passed in front of, its host star. During these events, starlight filtered through the planet's atmosphere, allowing Hubble's instruments to analyze the specific wavelengths of light absorbed. These absorption patterns provided a distinct signature indicative of water molecules.
Observing Atmospheric Signatures Through Transits

Over a three-year period, Hubble monitored GJ 9827d during 11 separate transits. As the planet moved across the face of its star, the light from that star had to pass through the planet's atmosphere. This atmospheric layer acted as a filter, absorbing certain wavelengths of starlight.
Analyzing Wavelength Patterns for Water Molecules

Hubble's sensitive instruments were able to analyze the spectrum of the filtered starlight, identifying specific colors, or wavelengths, that were missing. The presence and pattern of these absorbed wavelengths revealed the chemical composition of GJ 9827d's atmosphere. The telltale signature of water molecules was identified within these observed patterns.
GJ 9827d: A Small Planet with a Water-Rich Atmosphere

GJ 9827d is approximately twice the diameter of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star 97 light-years away in the constellation Pisces. The research team is considering two possibilities for its atmospheric composition: either it is a mini-Neptune with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere containing water, or it is a warmer version of Jupiter's moon Europa, possessing a significant amount of water. This detection marks a significant step in the characterization of smaller exoplanets' atmospheres.

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How did Hubble confirm water vapor on GJ 9827d?

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