We carry out 3-D numerical simulations to assess the penetration and bombardment effects of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs), i.e. high-energy particle bursts during large flares and superflares, on ancient and […]
Space Weather & Heliophysics
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release, Proxima Centauri, Space Weather & Heliophysics
The Space Weather of Proxima Centauri b
A planet orbiting in the “habitable zone” of our closest neighboring star, Proxima Centauri, has recently been discovered, and the next natural question is whether or not Proxima b is […]
Posted inPress Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics
Astrobiological Effects of Gamma-Ray Bursts in the Milky Way Galaxy
A planet having protective ozone within the collimated beam of a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) may suffer ozone depletion, potentially causing a mass extinction event to existing life on a […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release, Proxima Centauri, Space Weather & Heliophysics
The Pale Green Dot: A Method to Characterize Proxima Centauri b using Exo-Aurorae
We examine the feasibility of detecting auroral emission from the potentially habitable exoplanet Proxima Centauri b. This planet’s active, late-type M dwarf host makes detection of aurorae more favorable than […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release, Space Weather & Heliophysics
Stellar Magnetism, Winds and Their Effects on Planetary Environments
I review some recent works on magnetism of cool, main-sequence stars, their winds and potential impact on surrounding exoplanets. The winds of these stars are very tenuous and persist during […]