Fact Check: L 98‑59 is a flare star

Fact-Check Article: "L 98-59 is a flare star"

What We Know

L 98-59, also known as TOI-175, is classified as a bright M dwarf star located in the constellation of Volans, approximately 10.608 parsecs (34.60 light-years) from Earth, as measured by the Gaia spacecraft (Wikipedia). It is characterized as an M3 dwarf star and has been found to host a system of at least five planets, three of which are confirmed to be terrestrial-sized and were discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2019 (NASA Technical Report, Wikipedia).

The star has been observed to exhibit flaring activity, with reports indicating that it has produced multiple flares, varying in peak brightness from 0.2% to 3.5% (astroexplorer.org). However, it is essential to note that while L 98-59 does exhibit flaring behavior, it is not classified as a flare star in the traditional sense, which typically refers to stars that frequently and significantly increase in brightness due to magnetic activity.

Analysis

The claim that "L 98-59 is a flare star" can be misleading. While it is true that L 98-59 has shown flaring activity, the classification of a star as a "flare star" usually implies a consistent and significant level of flaring that is characteristic of certain types of stars, particularly those with strong magnetic fields, such as M dwarfs.

According to the Wikipedia entry, L 98-59 is categorized as an M3 dwarf star, which is consistent with the characteristics of many flare stars. However, the flaring observed in L 98-59 does not appear to be as frequent or intense as that seen in typical flare stars, which often exhibit regular and substantial flares. The flares observed in L 98-59 are noted in a study that discusses their variability and characteristics, but this does not necessarily qualify the star as a flare star in the broader astronomical context (astroexplorer.org).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The information from the NASA Technical Report and Wikipedia is backed by peer-reviewed studies and credible astronomical databases. The observations of flaring activity are documented in a reputable astrophysical context, providing a solid foundation for understanding L 98-59's behavior.

Conclusion

The claim that "L 98-59 is a flare star" is False. While L 98-59 does exhibit some flaring activity, it does not meet the criteria typically associated with flare stars, which are characterized by frequent and significant increases in brightness due to magnetic activity. The evidence suggests that L 98-59 is an M dwarf star with some flaring events, but it is not classified as a flare star in the conventional sense.