Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: A long-standing issue in astrobiology is whether planets orbiting the most abundant type of stars, M-dwarfs, can support liquid water and eventually life. Often previous studies have raised doubts for the habitability of planets orbting M-stars, due to the intense stellar activity during the early evolution. Those include solar-wind-like eruptions of the host star that could erode the planetary atmosphere, as well as the intense XUV radiation from the host. A new study shows that subglacial liquid water that accumulates on the night-side of tidally locked planets may provide an answer, significantly extending the habitability region, in particular around M-dwarf stars, which are also the most promising for biosignature detection with the present and near-future technology.
Author: Amri Wandel
Institution: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
Funder: Minerva Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7124906417
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