The Impact of Gravity on the Habitability and Structure of Life on Trappist-1E

Frazier Peluso

Abstract

In this paper, we assess the possible environmental conditions on Trappist-1e, as well as the structure of life if any organisms exist on the planet. Through the analyzation of previous data, we have determined that Trappist-1e is most likely a water-dominated world, and if habitable, would possibly contain a large number of aquatic organisms within its oceans. We assumed an Earth-like atmosphere for the planet, as well as implementing different climate models to assess the planet’s habitability. The planet has shown itself to be a remarkable candidate for habitable exoplanets, with it being in both the conservative HZ (habitable zone) as well as the tidal HZ, giving it enough heat to contain water on its surface, regardless of atmospheric pressure (however, we assumed an atmosphere of 1 bar for planet e). Furthermore, the planet shows signs of containing a magnetosphere similar to that of Earth, giving the planet protection against the UV fluxuations from the planet’s host star, Trappist-1. Life on the planet would most likely be a majority of aquatic organisms, with a similar ecosystem to that of Earth. However, due to pressures presented by a mass ocean, most aquatic lifeforms would most likely be in equilibrium with the environment in order to adjust to a great deal of pressure, much like deep-sea organisms on Earth.

 
Mar 30th, 9:00 AM

The Impact of Gravity on the Habitability and Structure of Life on Trappist-1E

Founders Hall 210 B

In this paper, we assess the possible environmental conditions on Trappist-1e, as well as the structure of life if any organisms exist on the planet. Through the analyzation of previous data, we have determined that Trappist-1e is most likely a water-dominated world, and if habitable, would possibly contain a large number of aquatic organisms within its oceans. We assumed an Earth-like atmosphere for the planet, as well as implementing different climate models to assess the planet’s habitability. The planet has shown itself to be a remarkable candidate for habitable exoplanets, with it being in both the conservative HZ (habitable zone) as well as the tidal HZ, giving it enough heat to contain water on its surface, regardless of atmospheric pressure (however, we assumed an atmosphere of 1 bar for planet e). Furthermore, the planet shows signs of containing a magnetosphere similar to that of Earth, giving the planet protection against the UV fluxuations from the planet’s host star, Trappist-1. Life on the planet would most likely be a majority of aquatic organisms, with a similar ecosystem to that of Earth. However, due to pressures presented by a mass ocean, most aquatic lifeforms would most likely be in equilibrium with the environment in order to adjust to a great deal of pressure, much like deep-sea organisms on Earth.