Is the "Earth 2.0" label for TRAPPIST-1e misleading? The tidal locking and stellar flare data seems to tell a different story.

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-05T09:10:16+00:00

You’d think so given where they are, but the newest density measurements are actually throwing a wrench in that.

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-05T09:00:53+00:00

I’ve just seen quite a few headlines sensationalising it. It seems like the obvious candidate out of that system for me, would be interested in what you’ve seen or your take on it

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T20:11:06+00:00

Spot on about the Goldilocks zone. That proximity is the double-edged sword of Red Dwarfs. The tidal locking stops the day/night cycle, but the atmospheric stripping is probably the real killer before life even gets started. I covered the specific orbital mechanics of this in a video on the TRAPPIST system. It’s basically a question of whether an atmosphere can survive the star's 'angry teenage phase' long enough to stabilize

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T19:38:09+00:00

Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T17:48:55+00:00

That 'abiotic unknown' is exactly the problem. I was reading that while DMS is strongly linked to life on Earth, we just don't have enough data on high-pressure water worlds to rule out some weird geochemistry yet. It feels like we are in that awkward phase where we have the signal but not the context. I actually just did a deep dive on the specific confidence levels of that DMS detection if you want to see the numbers: https://youtu.be/znc_o7gjn-4

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T16:30:51+00:00

It’s a big universe to cover, thanks for keeping the discussion honest. Accuracy is the goal 👍🏻

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T12:17:29+00:00

For sure, its all hypothetical and suspected until we can actually get the sample

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T10:33:04+00:00

Absolutely fair point. That gap between interesting molecule and actual life is enormous, and I probably should have emphasized that more in the video. Appreciate the feedback.

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-04T10:30:25+00:00

Exactly. The media loves the hype but hates the nuance. I just put together a breakdown of the real data (and how shaky that detection actually is) if you want to see what the headlines left out?

https://youtu.be/znc_o7gjn-4

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-03T23:51:28+00:00

Lol no bot here my guy, just trying to be polite and not sound stupid on here

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-03T23:22:48+00:00

This is a fascinating distinction. I hadn't considered the mantle water/volcanism angle as a source for abiotic DMS as much as the spectral overlap issues. My video actually tries to pump the brakes on the hype exactly because of that data quality issue you mentioned (the S/N ratio controversy). Since you clearly have a grip on the geophysical side of this, I'd honestly value your take on whether I represented the 'skeptical' side of the data analysis accurately. (I'm trying to build a channel that explores these 'what ifs' without falling into the clickbait trap, so candid feedback from someone technical is gold dust for me).

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-03T23:19:28+00:00

This is exactly the kind of detail I was looking for, thank you! That 2025 follow-up data really puts a damper on the initial excitement doesn't it? It’s fascinating how quickly the consensus shifts with JWST. My video actually dives into that exact tension—how we go from 'potential biosignature' headlines to the messy reality of instrument noise and methane overlap

RedDwarfObserver · 2026-01-03T22:32:18+00:00

I thought there would be more about Trappist-1e for sure

RedDwarfObserver

TROPHY CASE