Is TRAPPIST-1 a Unique M-dwarf Host Star?

TRAPPIST-1 is an M7.5 dwarf that hosts seven rocky earth-size planets, three of which are in its habitable zone. Given the abundance of M dwarfs throughout the Galaxy as well as the ease by which rocky planets might be uncovered around low mass stars with future studies like TESS, an inquiry into the uniqueness of the nature of the TRAPPIST-1 system is particularly relevant today. TRAPPIST-1 is classified as a field dwarf with kinematics that suggest it is an “old disk” star. However, the near infrared spectrum of TRAPPIST-1 exhibits a subtle peculiarity that causes it to be classified as an intermediate gravity (INT-G) object using spectral indices. To understand this subtle peculiarity as well as place TRAPPIST-1 in context with other nearby M dwarfs, we have created a distance-calibrated spectral energy distribution (SED). Combining the most recent parallax measurement with optical and infrared spectra and all available photometry, we re-evaluate its bolometric luminosity and effective temperature. We compare the resultant SED to a sample of old, young, and field age objects of similar properties. Using a FIRE echelle spectrum, we also investigate the near-infrared Y, J,H, and K bands to compare observables linked to gravity, atmosphere, metallicity and age effects.