Sign up to read our regular email newsletters

Experiments on Earth mimicking the rays from a red dwarf star show that cyanobacteria, algae and moss can grow under these light conditions, backing the idea that some exoplanets could host life

Moss and algae can survive under the dim light that would come from red dwarf stars like TRAPPIST-1 ESO/M. Kornmesser/N. Risinger (skysurvey.org)

Moss and algae can survive under the dim light that would come from red dwarf stars like TRAPPIST-1

ESO/M. Kornmesser/N. Risinger (skysurvey.org)

Algae, moss and bacteria can all survive and grow in the light produced by a red dwarf star, according to experiments on Earth. This boosts the idea that planets around red dwarf stars like TRAPPIST-1 could host life.

The most promising exoplanets for life orbit stars that are smaller and cooler than our sun, so they radiate different profiles of light. For instance, a star like TRAPPIST-1 would give out more infrared …

with a 12-week introductory offer

Offer ends 19/10/2022. *Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Existing subscribers, please log in with your email address to link your account access.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)