Next-generation space telescopes will allow us to characterize terrestrial exoplanets. To do so effectively it will be crucial to make use of all available data. We investigate which atmospheric properties […]
extrasolar
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Potentially Habitable Planets Orbiting M Dwarfs
We present an improved estimate of the occurrence rate of small planets around small stars by searching the full four-year Kepler data set for transiting planets using our own planet […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
The Persistence of Oceans on Earth-like Planets: Insights from the Deep-Water Cycle
In this paper we present a series of models for the deep water cycle on super-Earths experiencing plate tectonics. The deep water cycle can be modeled through parameterized convection models […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Twelve Small Kepler Transiting Planets in the Habitable Zone
We present an investigation of twelve candidate transiting planets from Kepler with orbital periods ranging from 34 to 207 days, selected from initial indications that they are small and potentially […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Eight New Planets Found in "Goldilocks" Zone
Astronomers announced today that they have found eight new planets in the “Goldilocks” zone of their stars, orbiting at a distance where liquid water can exist on the planet’s surface. […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
New Instrument Reveals Recipe for Other Earths
How do you make an Earth-like planet? The “test kitchen” of Earth has given us a detailed recipe, but it wasn’t clear whether other planetary systems would follow the same […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Super-Earths Have Long-Lasting Oceans
For life as we know it to develop on other planets, those planets would need liquid water, or oceans. Geologic evidence suggests that Earth’s oceans have existed for nearly the […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Constraining Radiation and Plasma Environment of Kepler Circumbinary Habitable Zone Planets
The remarkable discovery of many planets and candidates using the Kepler telescope even includes ten planets orbiting eight binaries. Three out of the eight, Kepler 16, Kepler 47, and KIC […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Extremely Compact System of 5 sub-Earth-size Planets transiting a Seismic K Dwarf
Remarkably, this is the most compact system ever found, being characterized by a concentration of dynamically packed planets below 0.1 AU with adjacent planet pairs lying close to strong 5:4, […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets
New Method for Finding Habitable Planets in Binary Star Systems
UT Arlington astrophysicist offers new method for finding regions favorable for life in stellar binary systems. Research by a University of Texas at Arlington astrophysicist sheds greater light on S-type […]