Illustration of exoplanet TRAPPIST-1f that appears to be tidally locked
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Some alien planets thought to be anchored around a parent star can actually rotate on their own axis, allowing potential life to arise as long as the inhabitants don’t mind the sudden disruption. It may have created a stable climate for long enough.
Many exoplanets orbiting near red dwarfs, such as the TRAPPIST-1 system, are thought to be tidally locked by the stellar gravity, so the planets experience extremely hot or cold permanent days and temperatures. There is a night side. …
Article corrected on April 17, 2023
Fixed star type in TRAPPIST-1 system
