
3. What are the intrinsic and extrinsic environments of exoplanets?
... particularly examining the distribution of orbital eccentricity and long-term dynamical stability. 3. Can they support life? Not all exoplanets, and perhaps very few, will be able to support life. We will match our assessment of the likely conditions on exoplanets against terrestrial life’s experime ...
... particularly examining the distribution of orbital eccentricity and long-term dynamical stability. 3. Can they support life? Not all exoplanets, and perhaps very few, will be able to support life. We will match our assessment of the likely conditions on exoplanets against terrestrial life’s experime ...
Possible climates on terrestrial exoplanets
... (ii) Catastrophically outgassed H2 O/CO2 atmospheres The other source of volatiles are the planetesimals that accrete to form the bulk of the planet itself. These will be the major sources of (i) carbon compounds like CO2 or possibly CH4 , (ii) water, especially if they formed beyond the ‘snow line’ ...
... (ii) Catastrophically outgassed H2 O/CO2 atmospheres The other source of volatiles are the planetesimals that accrete to form the bulk of the planet itself. These will be the major sources of (i) carbon compounds like CO2 or possibly CH4 , (ii) water, especially if they formed beyond the ‘snow line’ ...
Full PDF - Royal Society Publishing
... (ii) Catastrophically outgassed H2 O/CO2 atmospheres The other source of volatiles are the planetesimals that accrete to form the bulk of the planet itself. These will be the major sources of (i) carbon compounds like CO2 or possibly CH4 , (ii) water, especially if they formed beyond the ‘snow line’ ...
... (ii) Catastrophically outgassed H2 O/CO2 atmospheres The other source of volatiles are the planetesimals that accrete to form the bulk of the planet itself. These will be the major sources of (i) carbon compounds like CO2 or possibly CH4 , (ii) water, especially if they formed beyond the ‘snow line’ ...
The Astrobiology Primer
... fundamental nature of life on earth and the possibility of life elsewhere. To achieve this goal, astrobiologists have initiated unprecedented communication between the disciplines of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology, incorporating information and systems theory methods. The fundamental que ...
... fundamental nature of life on earth and the possibility of life elsewhere. To achieve this goal, astrobiologists have initiated unprecedented communication between the disciplines of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology, incorporating information and systems theory methods. The fundamental que ...
Basaltic Rocks Analyzed by the Spirit Rover in Gusev Crater
... Adirondack, Humphrey, and Mazatzal are illustrated in Fig. 4. Martian soils (12) are enriched in SO3 compared to martian meteorites and Pathfinder rocks. The natural, brushed, and abraded rock compositions do not define a mixing line with Gusev soils, as do dust-covered Mars Pathfinder rocks and soi ...
... Adirondack, Humphrey, and Mazatzal are illustrated in Fig. 4. Martian soils (12) are enriched in SO3 compared to martian meteorites and Pathfinder rocks. The natural, brushed, and abraded rock compositions do not define a mixing line with Gusev soils, as do dust-covered Mars Pathfinder rocks and soi ...
The Astrobiology Primer - Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers
... communication among the disciplines of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology. Astrobiologists also use insights from information and systems theory to evaluate how those disciplines function and interact. The fundamental questions of what “life” means and how it arose have brought in broad phil ...
... communication among the disciplines of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology. Astrobiologists also use insights from information and systems theory to evaluate how those disciplines function and interact. The fundamental questions of what “life” means and how it arose have brought in broad phil ...
The escape of planetary atmospheres
... [Kevin Zahnle], together with Kasting, subsequently showed that such escape would also have dragged along much of the oxygen. Meanwhile, heavier carbon dioxide would have remained behind. Without water to mediate the chemistry that turns carbon dioxide into carbonate minerals, Venus is left with all ...
... [Kevin Zahnle], together with Kasting, subsequently showed that such escape would also have dragged along much of the oxygen. Meanwhile, heavier carbon dioxide would have remained behind. Without water to mediate the chemistry that turns carbon dioxide into carbonate minerals, Venus is left with all ...
The Crux of Cydonia
... But that is just the beginning of this thought train. What I‘m getting at is that all these dates reflect geometries, i.e., harmonies that resonate and influence our behavior in specific ways. Even if one chooses not to believe all that, certain facts remain. Like the end of the age of Pisces and be ...
... But that is just the beginning of this thought train. What I‘m getting at is that all these dates reflect geometries, i.e., harmonies that resonate and influence our behavior in specific ways. Even if one chooses not to believe all that, certain facts remain. Like the end of the age of Pisces and be ...
Stellar-Aided Inertial Navigation Systems for Lunar and Mars
... SAINS can enable global, continuous, autonomous navigation for surface vehicles (landers, rovers or aircraft) and astronauts. The theory and SAINS model were originally developed for a study of Mars celestial navigation and will be presented as such. The lunar results are based on a model developed ...
... SAINS can enable global, continuous, autonomous navigation for surface vehicles (landers, rovers or aircraft) and astronauts. The theory and SAINS model were originally developed for a study of Mars celestial navigation and will be presented as such. The lunar results are based on a model developed ...
Atmospheric biomarkers on terrestrial exoplanets Abstract Introduction
... ozone destruction, directly by photolysis, but mostly indirectly due to the increased photochemical production of highly reactive radicals. For atmospheric compositions similar to the Earth’s, numerical simulations show a quantity of O increasing with the UV flux (Selsis, 2000). This property could ...
... ozone destruction, directly by photolysis, but mostly indirectly due to the increased photochemical production of highly reactive radicals. For atmospheric compositions similar to the Earth’s, numerical simulations show a quantity of O increasing with the UV flux (Selsis, 2000). This property could ...
Apr/May 2003 - Madison Astronomical Society
... November 23 in Antarctica. What is really different here is that the eclipse tracks for both seem to defy the normal, generally west-to-east path for solar eclipses, since the new moon overtakes the sun from west to east. This year, both eclipses move (roughly) east-to-west, that is, “backward.” Doe ...
... November 23 in Antarctica. What is really different here is that the eclipse tracks for both seem to defy the normal, generally west-to-east path for solar eclipses, since the new moon overtakes the sun from west to east. This year, both eclipses move (roughly) east-to-west, that is, “backward.” Doe ...
asteroids
... B) Iron meteorites survive longer on Earth's surface C) People more likely to pick up an iron meteorite D)All of the above ...
... B) Iron meteorites survive longer on Earth's surface C) People more likely to pick up an iron meteorite D)All of the above ...
nov7
... The Martian surface is completely devoid of life. Gas release was due entirely to chemistry. High concentrations of chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and strong ultraviolet radiation combine to make the surface of Mars completely sterile. ...
... The Martian surface is completely devoid of life. Gas release was due entirely to chemistry. High concentrations of chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and strong ultraviolet radiation combine to make the surface of Mars completely sterile. ...
November 2015 Eyepiece - Amateur Astronomers Association of
... of the month. Uranus can be found in Pisces the Fish all night. Dwarf planet Pluto is situated in Sagittarius the Archer until 8 PM, setting earlier each night of the month. November’s Evening Stars: Spot the Summer Triangle of Vega in Lyra the Harp, Deneb in Cygnus the Swan, and Altair in Aquila th ...
... of the month. Uranus can be found in Pisces the Fish all night. Dwarf planet Pluto is situated in Sagittarius the Archer until 8 PM, setting earlier each night of the month. November’s Evening Stars: Spot the Summer Triangle of Vega in Lyra the Harp, Deneb in Cygnus the Swan, and Altair in Aquila th ...
Editorial Introduction: Planetary geosciences, the Dutch contribution
... geosciences, in conjunction with remote sensing analyses, therefore relies on the use of landscapes on Earth that resemble those on Mars. This analogy is frequently based on either comparable formative conditions (tectonic, geologic or geomorphic) or comparable environmental conditions affecting the ...
... geosciences, in conjunction with remote sensing analyses, therefore relies on the use of landscapes on Earth that resemble those on Mars. This analogy is frequently based on either comparable formative conditions (tectonic, geologic or geomorphic) or comparable environmental conditions affecting the ...
or view
... (where escape occurs through direct interaction with the solar wind), cannot be studied with in situ measurements because of the pericentre altitude of 300 km. UV glow measurements by SPICAM should provide information about thermospheric ion-neutral chemistry and related vertical fluxes of chemical ...
... (where escape occurs through direct interaction with the solar wind), cannot be studied with in situ measurements because of the pericentre altitude of 300 km. UV glow measurements by SPICAM should provide information about thermospheric ion-neutral chemistry and related vertical fluxes of chemical ...
The Terrestrial Planets
... in its climate and therefore much more accessible for future human expansion throughout the solar system. Historically, this planet was regarded as a potential target for finding life beyond Earth, and it is still addressed as a possible site that could harbor life at the microbial level and where e ...
... in its climate and therefore much more accessible for future human expansion throughout the solar system. Historically, this planet was regarded as a potential target for finding life beyond Earth, and it is still addressed as a possible site that could harbor life at the microbial level and where e ...
5 Habitable zones and Planetary atmospheres
... surface pressure of 1.5 bar N2 is the main atmospheric constituent CH4 is the second most important molecular species It is believed that the composition of the current Titan atmosphere is similar to that of the Earth’s atmosphere before the appearance of life. Crucial differences to the Earth ...
... surface pressure of 1.5 bar N2 is the main atmospheric constituent CH4 is the second most important molecular species It is believed that the composition of the current Titan atmosphere is similar to that of the Earth’s atmosphere before the appearance of life. Crucial differences to the Earth ...
Habitability: Good, Bad and the Ugly
... • Definition of luminosity (watts/m2) • Sun’s luminosity has been changing: earlier in its evolution, luminosity was only 70% of what it is today (how could temperature be maintained over geological time) • Future for luminosity – Remember star sequence from lab and lecture – 2-3 BY, luminosity will ...
... • Definition of luminosity (watts/m2) • Sun’s luminosity has been changing: earlier in its evolution, luminosity was only 70% of what it is today (how could temperature be maintained over geological time) • Future for luminosity – Remember star sequence from lab and lecture – 2-3 BY, luminosity will ...
SPACE - Greensburg
... 60,190 days. A day on Neptune is 16 Earth hours long. The atmosphere is made out of hydrogen, helium, and methane. The temperature on Neptune is -370 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface of the planet is made of rock, water, and liquid hydrogen. The terrain has mountains. ...
... 60,190 days. A day on Neptune is 16 Earth hours long. The atmosphere is made out of hydrogen, helium, and methane. The temperature on Neptune is -370 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface of the planet is made of rock, water, and liquid hydrogen. The terrain has mountains. ...
Document
... coating vanishes during the summer. • Winds on Mars cause giant dust storms. • A number of features on Mars provide evidence that liquid water once flowed on the planet’s surface and may be found beneath the surface. ...
... coating vanishes during the summer. • Winds on Mars cause giant dust storms. • A number of features on Mars provide evidence that liquid water once flowed on the planet’s surface and may be found beneath the surface. ...
PowerPoint
... Mile-high cliffs (Discovery Scarp) Early shrinkage of crust no geological activity at present Interior is solid to a significant depth Density comparable to Earth’s, but weak magnetic field - Iron core, few silicates in crust - Cataclysmic impact early in history? ...
... Mile-high cliffs (Discovery Scarp) Early shrinkage of crust no geological activity at present Interior is solid to a significant depth Density comparable to Earth’s, but weak magnetic field - Iron core, few silicates in crust - Cataclysmic impact early in history? ...
Astrobiology: young science, old questions
... Even for those stars of sufficiently low mass to habitable planets, and even life, has become a likely targets among planets like allow the development of a significant biosphere real possibility. The new field of astrobiology Earth, to search for signs of life. in their main sequence lifetimes, if ...
... Even for those stars of sufficiently low mass to habitable planets, and even life, has become a likely targets among planets like allow the development of a significant biosphere real possibility. The new field of astrobiology Earth, to search for signs of life. in their main sequence lifetimes, if ...
Planet Search Unit Overview Habitability Zone Around Other Stars in
... – Jupiter’s temperatures now are about 150 Kelvin. In order to double that to get within the liquid water range, the Sun’s brightness would have to increase by 2 to the 4th power (in accordance with Stefan-Boltzmann Law), or 16 times the brightness that it is now. – What does “several times brighter ...
... – Jupiter’s temperatures now are about 150 Kelvin. In order to double that to get within the liquid water range, the Sun’s brightness would have to increase by 2 to the 4th power (in accordance with Stefan-Boltzmann Law), or 16 times the brightness that it is now. – What does “several times brighter ...
Search for Planets Lecture Notes
... climate would be Earth-like. • Venus is not in the habitable zone now, but it may have been in the past. • Venus is not in the habitable zone now, but in a few billion years from now it will be. • If we could somehow start plate tectonics on Venus, its surface would cool and it would regain the ocea ...
... climate would be Earth-like. • Venus is not in the habitable zone now, but it may have been in the past. • Venus is not in the habitable zone now, but in a few billion years from now it will be. • If we could somehow start plate tectonics on Venus, its surface would cool and it would regain the ocea ...
Life on Mars

For centuries people have speculated about the possibility of life on Mars due to the planet's proximity and similarity to Earth. Although there has been much speculation, to date there has never been any proof of life existing on Mars. However, cumulative evidence is now building that Mars once was habitable.Serious searches for evidence of life began in the 19th century, and they continue today via telescopic investigations and landed missions. While early work focused on phenomenology and bordered on fantasy, modern scientific inquiry has emphasized the search for water, chemical biosignatures in the soil and rocks at the planet's surface, and biomarker gases in the atmosphere.Mars is of particular interest for the study of the origins of life because of its similarity to the early Earth. This is especially so since Mars has a cold climate and lacks plate tectonics or continental drift, so it has remained almost unchanged since the end of the Hesperian period. At least two thirds of Mars's surface is more than 3.5 billion years old, and Mars may thus hold the best record of the prebiotic conditions leading to abiogenesis, even if life does not or has never existed there. It remains an open question whether life currently exists on Mars or has existed there in the past, and fictional Martians have been a recurring feature of popular entertainment of the 20th and 21st centuries.On January 24, 2014, NASA reported that current studies on the planet Mars by the Curiosity and Opportunity rovers will now be searching for evidence of ancient life, including a biosphere based on autotrophic, chemotrophic, and/or chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms, as well as ancient water, including fluvio-lacustrine environments (plains related to ancient rivers or lakes) that may have been habitable. The search for evidence of habitability, taphonomy (related to fossils), and organic carbon on the planet Mars is now a primary NASA objective.