Precise and, if possible, accurate characterization of exoplanets cannot be dissociated from the characterization of their host stars. In this chapter we discuss different methods and techniques used to derive […]
extrasolar
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Validation of Small Kepler Transiting Planet Candidates In Or Near The Habitable Zone
A main goal of NASA’s Kepler Mission is to establish the frequency of potentially habitable Earth-size planets (eta Earth). Relatively few such candidates identified by the mission can be confirmed […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
How Alien Can Alien Worlds Be?
In an attempt to select stars that can host planets with characteristics similar to our own, we selected seven solar-type stars known to host planets in the habitable zone and […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Assessing the Interior Structure of Terrestrial Exoplanets with Implications for Habitability
Astrophysical observations reveal a large diversity of radii and masses of exoplanets. It is important to characterize the interiors of exoplanets to understand planetary diversity and further determine how unique, […]
Posted inHabitable Zones
Circulation Regimes of Synchronously Rotating Terrestrial Planets Near The Inner Edge of the Habitable Zone
We investigate the atmospheric dynamics of terrestrial planets in synchronous rotation near the inner edge of the habitable zone of low-mass stars using the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). We show […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Effects of Eccentricity on Climates and Habitability of Terrestrial Exoplanets Around M dwarfs
Eccentricity is an important orbital parameter. Understanding its effect on planetary climate and habitability is critical for us to search for a habitable world beyond our solar system. The orbital […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Atmospheric Tides and Their Consequences on the Rotational Dynamics of Terrestrial Planets
Atmospheric tides can have a strong impact on the rotational dynamics of planets. They are of most importance for terrestrial planets located in the habitable zone of their host star, […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Obliquity and Eccentricity Constraints For Terrestrial Exoplanets
Exoplanet discoveries over recent years have shown that terrestrial planets are exceptionally common. Many of these planets are in compact systems that result in complex orbital dynamics. A key step […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Photosynthesis Under Light Conditions Different from Earth's
M-dwarfs or red dwarfs are small (0.5-0.1 solar-mass) and cool ( ~3,000 kelvin) stars and are abundant in the universe. Sun-like stars have been attracting most attention as a plausible […]
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Astronomy & Telescopes, Press Release
Space Telescope Designed to Directly Image the Habitable Zone of Alpha Centauri
The scientific interest in directly image and identifying Earth-like planets within the Habitable Zone (HZ) around nearby stars is driving the design of specialized direct imaging mission such as ACESAT, […]