"Trappist-1 Exoplanet's Self-Destructing Atmosphere Raises Habitable Zone Questions"
Scientists have discovered that Trappist-1e, a potentially habitable exoplanet, is having its atmosphere stripped by electric currents created as it orbits its red dwarf host star, rendering it inhospitable to life. This phenomenon could also be impacting the atmospheres of other planets in the habitable zone of the Trappist-1 system, making it challenging to find life there. The stripping is caused by the planet's rapid motion around the star, driving powerful ionospheric currents that dissipate and create extreme heating, leading to the potential loss of its atmosphere over millions of years. This research has implications for understanding habitable exoplanets and identifying stars conducive to hosting planets with atmospheres.