We study the origin and escape of catastrophically outgassed volatiles (H2O, CO2) from exomoons with Earth-like densities and masses of 0.1M⊕, 0.5M⊕ and 1M⊕ orbiting an extra-solar gas giant inside […]
habitable
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Circular Orbits Identified for Small Exoplanets
Viewed from above, our solar system’s planetary orbits around the sun resemble rings around a bulls-eye. Each planet, including Earth, keeps to a roughly circular path, always maintaining the same […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
A Catalog of Stellar Evolution Profiles and the Effects of Variable Composition on Habitable Systems
We present stellar evolution models for 0.5 – 1.2 \Msol at scaled metallicities of 0.1 – 1.5 Z\sol and O/Fe values of 0.44 – 2.28 O/Fe\sol. The time dependent evolution […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
NASA's Search for Water and Habitable Planets
NASA Television will air an event from 1 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 7, featuring leading science and engineering experts discussing the recent discoveries of water and organics in […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Colliding Winds in Low-Mass Binary Star Systems: Implications for Habitable Planets
In binary star systems, the winds from the two components impact each other, leading to strong shocks and regions of enhanced density and temperature. Potentially habitable circumbinary planets must continually […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Potentially Habitable Planets May Start As Neptune-like Worlds
Two phenomena known to inhibit the potential habitability of planets tidal forces and vigorous stellar activity might instead help chances for life on certain planets orbiting low-mass stars, University of […]
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 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, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life
Finding Infant Earths and Potential Life Just Got Easier
Among the billions and billions of stars in the sky, where should astronomers look for infant Earths where life might develop? New research from Cornell University’s Institute for Pale Blue […]
Posted inHabitable Zones
Climate Stability of Habitable Earth-like Planets
The carbon-silicate cycle regulates the atmospheric CO2 content of terrestrial planets on geological timescales through a balance between the rates of CO2 volcanic outgassing and planetary intake from rock weathering. […]