The atmospheric composition of transiting exoplanets can be characterized during transit by spectroscopy. or an Earth twin, models predict that oxygen and ozone biogenic gases should be detectable, as well […]
astro-ph.EP]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Migration of Earth-size planets in 3D Radiative Discs
In this paper, we address the migration of small mass planets in 3D radiative disks. Indeed, migration of small planets is known to be too fast inwards in locally isothermal […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Possibilities of Life Around Alpha Centauri B
We make a preliminary assessment on the habitability of potential rocky exoplanets around Alpha Centauri B. We use several indexes: the Earth Similarity Index, a mathematical model for photosynthesis, and […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Dynamical Test for Terrestrial Planets in Habitable Zone of HD 204313
With improvements in exoplanet detection techniques, the number of multiple planet systems discovered is increasing, while the detection of potentially habitable Earth-mass planets remains complicated and thus requires new search […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Meteorites & Asteroids, Panspermia
Nature's Starships: Observed Abundances and Relative Frequencies of Amino Acids in Meteorites
The class of meteorites called carbonaceous chondrites are examples of material from the solar system which have been relatively unchanged from the time of their initial formation. These meteorites have […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Thermal-orbital coupled tidal heating and habitability of Martian-sized extrasolar planets around M stars
M type stars are good targets in the search for habitable extrasolar planets. Because of their low effective temperatures, the habitable zone of M stars is very close to the […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Habitable Zones
Water: From Clouds to Planets
Results from recent space missions, in particular Spitzer and Herschel, have lead to significant progress in our understanding of the formation and transport of water from clouds to disks, planetesimals, […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Tides, planetary companions, and habitability: Habitability in the habitable zone of low-mass stars
Earth-scale planets in the classical habitable zone (HZ) are more likely to be habitable if they possess active geophysics. Without a constant internal energy source, planets cool as they age, […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
The Status of Spectroscopic Data for the Exoplanet Characterisation Missions
The status of laboratory spectroscopic data for exoplanet characterisation missions such as EChO is reviewed. For many molecules (eg H2O, CO, CO2, H3+, O2, O3) the data are already available. […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets
Volatiles in Protoplanetary Disks
Volatiles are compounds with low sublimation temperatures, and they make up most of the condensible mass in typical planet-forming environments. They consist of relatively small, often hydrogenated, molecules based on […]