Frequent Flaring in the TRAPPIST-1 System: Unsuited for Life?

Frequent Flaring in the TRAPPIST-1 System—Unsuited for Life?

Authors:

Vida et al

Abstract:
We analyze the K2 light curve of the TRAPPIST-1 system. The Fourier analysis of the data suggests P rot = 3.295 ± 0.003 days. The light curve shows several flares, of which we analyzed 42 events with integrated flare energies of 1.26 × 1030–1.24 × 1033 erg. Approximately 12% of the flares were complex, multi-peaked eruptions. The flaring and the possible rotational modulation shows no obvious correlation. The flaring activity of TRAPPIST-1 probably continuously alters the atmospheres of the orbiting exoplanets, which makes these less favorable for hosting life.