The detection of exoplanets orbiting other stars has revolutionized our view of the cosmos. First results suggest that it is teeming with a fascinating diversity of rocky planets, including those […]
habitability
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Study Refines Which Exoplanets Are Potentially Habitable
In order to search for life in outer space, astronomers first need to know where to look. A new Northwestern University study will help astronomers narrow down the search. The […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Characterizing Exoplanet Habitability
Habitability is a measure of an environment’s potential to support life, and a habitable exoplanet supports liquid water on its surface. However, a planet’s success in maintaining liquid water on […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Principles Of Heliophysics: A Textbook On The Universal Processes Behind Planetary Habitability
This textbook gives a perspective of heliophysics in a way that emphasizes universal processes from a perspective that draws attention to what provides Earth (and similar (exo-)planets) with a relatively […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Even 'Goldilocks' Exoplanets Need A Well-Behaved Star
An exoplanet may seem like the perfect spot to set up housekeeping, but before you go there, take a closer look at its star. Rice University astrophysicists are doing just […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Layered Uncertainty in Planetary Thermal History Models: Implications for Hypotheses Discrimination and Habitability Modeling
Multiple hypotheses/models have been put forward regarding the cooling history of the Earth. The search for life beyond Earth has brought these models into a new light as they connect […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Resilient Habitability Of Nearby Exoplanet Systems
We investigate the possibility of finding Earth-like planets in the habitable zone of 34 nearby FGK-dwarfs, each known to host one giant planet exterior to their habitable zone detected by […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
How do Planetary Radius and Gravity Influence the Surface Climate of Earth-like Planets?
About 4000 exoplanets have been confirmed since the year of 1992, and for most of the planets, the main parameters that can be measured are planetary radius and mass. Based […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
The Effect of Land Fraction and Host Star Spectral Energy Distribution on the Planetary Albedo of Terrestrial Worlds
The energy balance and climate of planets can be affected by the reflective properties of their land, ocean, and frozen surfaces. Here we investigate the effect of host star spectral […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Climates of Warm Earth-Like Planets III: Fractional Habitability from a Water Cycle Perspective
The habitable fraction of a planet’s surface is important for the detectability of surface biosignatures. The extent and distribution of habitable areas is influenced by external parameters that control the […]