Frequent flaring in the TRAPPIST-1 system – unsuited for life? [SSA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1703.10130


We analyze short cadence K2 light curve of the TRAPPIST-1 system. Fourier analysis of the data suggests $P_\mathrm{rot}=3.295\pm0.003$ days. The light curve shows several flares, of which we analyzed 42 events, these have integrated flare energies of $1.26\times10^{30}-1.24\times10^{33}$ ergs. 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, making these less favorable for hosting life.

Read this paper on arXiv…

K. Vida, Z. Kovari, A. Pal, et. al.
Thu, 30 Mar 17
46/69

Comments: 7 pages, 6 figures, submitted to ApJ