Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Astronomical observation is revealing thousands of new worlds while inferentially suggesting the existence of countless others, as advances in gravitational-wave astronomy and cosmology continue to expand our grasp of the observable universe. This study introduces the gravitational viability factor, 𝐺v, and the concept of graviphilic systems as a framework for organizing astrobiological inquiry. 𝐺v is proposed as a conceptual framework for connecting universal biological constraints with contingent biological outcomes. Gravity is not merely a constraint on life but a useful organizing parameter for evaluating biological plausibility across environments. An abundance of potential telescope targets is available through exoplanetary science, yet within prebiotic chemistry these targets are often assessed as a product of astrophysical inquiry rather than initially selected. Emerging observational capabilities stand to make gravitational parameters increasingly measurable, creating a need for frameworks that help interpret, compare, and select such systems. Considering expanding exoplanet databases, observed microgravitational effects on cellular biology, and increasingly sophisticated methods for inferring gravitational environments, it may be worthwhile to formalize gravity as a fundamental parameter for evaluating telescope targets as the sciences of astrobiology and astrophysical observation continue to converge.
Author: Cantrell, Bradley E
Institution: University of North Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225845344