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

## TL;DR

This study analyzes TRAPPIST-1's light curve revealing frequent flares with high energies, suggesting such stellar activity likely hampers the habitability of its orbiting exoplanets.

## Contribution

It provides detailed flare analysis and rotational period estimation, highlighting the impact of stellar activity on exoplanet habitability in the TRAPPIST-1 system.

## Key findings

- 42 flare events analyzed with energies up to 1.24×10^33 ergs
- Approximately 12% of flares are complex, multi-peaked
- Flaring activity likely affects exoplanet atmospheres adversely

## 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.