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arXiv · 1703.10130

Frequent flaring in the TRAPPIST-1 system - unsuited for life?

Krisztián Vida·Zsolt Kővári·András Pál·Katalin Oláh·Levente Kriskovics
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Abstract

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.

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Krisztián Vida, Zsolt Kővári, András Pál, Katalin Oláh, Levente Kriskovics. 2017-03-29. Frequent flaring in the TRAPPIST-1 system - unsuited for life?. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357%2Faa6f05

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