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

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 × 10 30 –1.24 × 10 33 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.