An illustration of the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1f, which appears to be tidally locked
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Some alien planets thought to be locked in place around their parent star may actually be able to rotate, creating stable climates long enough for potential life to arise – as long as any inhabitants didn’t mind sudden disruption.
Many exoplanets that closely orbit white dwarf stars, such as in the TRAPPIST-1 system, are thought to be tidally locked by their star’s gravity, so the planets have permanent day and night sides that are extremely hot or cold. …
