Radiation as a Constraint for Life in the Universe

We present an overview of sources of biologically relevant astrophysical radiation and effects of that radiation on organisms and their habitats. We consider both electromagnetic and particle radiation, with an emphasis on ionizing radiation and ultraviolet light, all of which can impact organisms directly as well as indirectly through modifications of their habitats.

We review what is known about specific sources, such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and stellar activity, including the radiation produced and likely rates of significant events. We discuss both negative and potential positive impacts on individual organisms and their environments and how radiation in a broad context affects habitability.

Ximena C. Abrevaya (1), Brian C. Thomas (2) ((1) Instituto de Astronomia y Fisica del Espacio, Argentina, (2) Washburn Univ.)
(Submitted on 7 Nov 2017)

Comments: Chapter 2 in Habitability of the Universe before Earth, Volume 1, Richard Gordon and Alexei Sharov eds., Academic Press, Nov. 2017
Subjects: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
Cite as: arXiv:1711.02748 [astro-ph.EP] (or arXiv:1711.02748v1 [astro-ph.EP] for this version)
Submission history
From: Brian Thomas
[v1] Tue, 7 Nov 2017 22:14:51 GMT (1905kb)
https://arxiv.org/abs/1711.02748
Astrobiology