[astro-ph.EP] Discovering Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars was identified as a priority science goal of the Astronomy 2020 Decadal Survey.
habitability
![[LEFT]: Schematic of the star–planet–observer geometry defining the phase angle α, measured between the star–planet and planet–observer directions. The hemisphere of the planet facing the star is fully illuminated (gold) at all times, while the opposite hemisphere remains in shadow. The observer sees only the portion of the illuminated hemisphere that is visible at a given α, with full illumination visible only at α = 0◦. [RIGHT]: Illustration of planetary phases along an edge-on orbit, with the star at the center and the observer direction indicated below the orbit. Although the star-facing hemisphere remains illuminated throughout the orbit, the visible fraction of this hemisphere changes with phase angle. Full phase occurs at α = 0◦, quadrature at α = 90◦, and new phase at α = 180 , with gibbous and crescent phases spanning the intermediate ranges. -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Impact.png?resize=1200%2C714&ssl=1)
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes
The Impact of Planetary Phase Functions On Exo-Earth Detectability With EXOSIMS
[astro-ph.EP] The under-development NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) aims to provide breakthroughs in exoplanet science, yet the most effective approaches to modeling the detection and characterization of potentially Earth-like worlds […]
![(a) The HWK4123 sensor has a standard ceramic land grid array (CGLA) package and measures 31.1 × 36.6 mm. The imaging pixel array is in the center of the sensor. (b) The PHOTRON system is shown outside the dewar. The HWK4123 mounts behind the black enclosure in the top-left corner. (c) The QUEST camera attaches to the output of an integrating sphere, and the sphere receives light from a monochromator. -- [astro-ph.IM]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Single-Photon.png?resize=1200%2C704&ssl=1)
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes
Single-Photon Counting CMOS Detectors For The Habitable Worlds Observatory
[astro-ph.IM] The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is NASA’s current New Great Observatory concept. HWO will observe the universe to search for life beyond Earth. It will need unprecedented instrument stability […]
![Retrieved emission spectra (blue regions) plotted with the true planet’s flux from our forward model (red) for each redox state considered (IW-6 to IW+6). The retrieved spectra denser region represents the 1𝜎 confidence level, intermediate region 2𝜎, thin region the 3𝜎 level. The observational noise from LIFEsim is shown as a gray envelope. The retrieved spectra capture most spectral features in observed planets, especially in the more pronounced oxidised cases (bottom row). -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Characterizing-the.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Characterizing The Oxidation State Of Rocky Exoplanets With The Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE)
[astro-ph.EP] The oxidation state of rocky exoplanets is expected to play a fundamental role in shaping the chemical composition of their secondary atmospheres by influencing the chemical composition of volcanically […]
![Stellar influence on planetary habitability. Figure credit: solar images from NASA/ESA and KPNO/NSO/AURA/NSF, background pictures generated through OpenAI’s image-generation system (i.e., Adobe Firefly and ChatGPT Images 2.0). Illustration: K. Herbst - [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StellarActivity.jpg?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inHabitable Zones
Stellar Activity, Exoplanet, Habitability, Planetary Atmospheres
[astro-ph.EP] This chapter will review the deep connection of planetary habitability and stellar irradiation. We present the long-term stellar evolution as one of the drivers of atmospheric escape and climate […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
SCoRE: The Surface Composition Of Rocky Exoplanets
[astro-ph.EP] Context. The crust composition of rocky exoplanets with a substantial atmosphere can not be observed directly. However, recent developments are starting to allow for the observation and characterisation of […]
Posted inMars
Current Water Trapping Micro-habitats On The Surface Of Mars
[Science Direct] This paper presents a conceptual model exploring a possible mechanism by which liquid water could potentially be maintained in direct contact with hypothetical microorganisms during warm daytime periods […]
![(A) Summary interpolation of the extent of bedrock geologic units based on in situ mapping. The width of the mapping corridor is ∼120 m. White dots are positions occupied during the traverse for which images are available for mapping. (B) Summary of interpreted stratigraphic relationships between identified lithologic units along the Jezero crater floor traverse (A and B adapted from Crumpler et al., 2023; Fig. 19). (C) Orbital image of Jezero crater floor with the path of the Perseverance overlaid in white. (D) Inset of the crater floor campaign, with all Máaz abrasion patches shown (Guillaumes, Montpezat, Bellegarde, and Alfalfa), and the OEB (Octavia E. Butler) landing site indicated. The Guillaumes and Alfalfa abrasions are highlighted, as they are the focus of this article (altered from NASA). -- [Astrobiology (journal)]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Possible-Aqueous.png?resize=1200%2C718&ssl=1)
Posted inMars
The Possible Aqueous Origins of Manganese Alteration Minerals in the Máaz Formation of Jezero Crater
[Astrobiology (journal)] Home to a lake around 4 billion years ago, Jezero Crater is a unique location to study the interplay between igneous processes and aqueous alteration on ancient Mars.
Posted inCryobiology
Microbial Diversity In Pyrenean Ice Caves: Extreme Cryogenic Environments As Analogues For Extraterrestrial Habitability
[FEMS Microbes] Pyrenean ice caves are the least studies cryogenic environments that preserve perennial ice. These caves host microbial communities adapted to extreme oligotrophy, low temperatures, and episodic water availability, […]
Posted inWater/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Underwater Oxygen Loss Threatens Earth’s Stability, Researchers Warn
[UCSD] A new review paper led by scientists at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography warns that the rapid loss of oxygen from the ocean and other aquatic ecosystems […]