Amelia Mausolf

Could the exoplanets in the Trappist-1 system support organic based life, based on the orbital distances from their star?

Started June 11, 2023

Abstract or project description

By examining the orbital distance between a planet and a star, processes on the planet can be better understood. This research paper explores the possibilities and quantities of earth-like exoplanets in the Trappist-1 system, and if habitability can be possible to support organic based life. Processes we explore are the temperaturers of each planet, goldilocks zone planets to see if liquid water could exist, atmospheric chemistry for a breathable atmosphere, and environments. We consider the exoplanets Trappist-1e, Trappist-1f, and Trappist 1g, because of their likelihood to be habitable based on the distances from their star. Trappist-1 and the sun are then compared to see how they affect the surrounding planets, in the sense of the two stars being different in spectral type, temperature, and size. By comparing the two stars, we can see how much of a difference a red dwarf star has an affect on the planets orbiting it, because of how close each planet is to the star. By examining these processes, a better understanding can be made about the terrestrial exoplanets in the Trappist-1 system, to see if habitability could be possible.