Characterizing Stellar And Exoplanetary Environments

Author : Helmut Lammer,Maxim Khodachenko
Publisher : Springer
Page : 310 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2014-11-03
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319097497

Get Book

Characterizing Stellar and Exoplanetary Environments by Helmut Lammer,Maxim Khodachenko Pdf

In this book an international group of specialists discusses studies of exoplanets subjected to extreme stellar radiation and plasma conditions. It is shown that such studies will help us to understand how terrestrial planets and their atmospheres, including the early Venus, Earth and Mars, evolved during the host star’s active early phase. The book presents an analysis of findings from Hubble Space Telescope observations of transiting exoplanets, as well as applications of advanced numerical models for characterizing the upper atmosphere structure and stellar environments of exoplanets. The authors also address detections of atoms and molecules in the atmosphere of “hot Jupiters” by NASA’s Spitzer telescope. The observational and theoretical investigations and discoveries presented are both timely and important in the context of the next generation of space telescopes. The book is divided into four main parts, grouping chapters on exoplanet host star radiation and plasma environments, exoplanet upper atmosphere and environment observations, exoplanet and stellar magnetospheres, and exoplanet observation and characterization. The book closes with an outlook on the future of this research field.

Author : Jeffrey Linsky
Publisher : Springer
Page : 273 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2019-05-23
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030114527

Get Book

Host Stars and their Effects on Exoplanet Atmospheres by Jeffrey Linsky Pdf

Like planets in our solar system, exoplanets form, evolve, and interact with their host stars in many ways. As exoplanets acquire material and grow to the final size, their atmospheres are subjected to intense UV and X-radiation and high-energy particle bombardment from the young host star. Whether a planet can retain its atmosphere and the conditions for significant mass loss both depend upon the strength of the host star's high-energy radiation and wind, the distance of the exoplanet from its host star, the gravitational potential of the exoplanet, and the initial chemical composition of the exoplanet atmosphere. This introductory overview describes the physical processes responsible for the emission of radiation and acceleration of winds of host stars that together control the environment of an exoplanet, focusing on topics that are critically important for understanding exoplanetary atmospheres but are usually not posed from the perspective of host stars. Accordingly, both host stars and exoplanets are not studied in isolation but are treated as integrated systems. Stellar magnetic fields, which are the energy source for activity phenomena including high-energy radiation and winds, play a critical role in determining whether exoplanets are habitable. This text is primarily for researchers and graduate students who are studying exoplanet atmospheres and habitability, but who may not have a background in the physics and phenomenology of host stars that provide the environment in which exoplanets evolve. It provides a comprehensive overview of this broad topic rather than going deeply into many technical aspects but includes a large list of references to guide those interested in pursuing these questions. Nonspecialists with a scientific background should also find this text a valuable resource for understanding the critical issues of contemporary exoplanet research.

Author : Kaspar von Braun,Tabetha Boyajian
Publisher : Springer
Page : 78 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2017-07-18
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319611983

Get Book

Extrasolar Planets and Their Host Stars by Kaspar von Braun,Tabetha Boyajian Pdf

This book explores the relations between physical parameters of extrasolar planets and their respective parent stars. Planetary parameters are often directly dependent upon their stellar counterparts. In addition, the star is almost always the only visible component of the system and contains most of the system mass. Consequently, the parent star heavily influences every aspect of planetary physics and astrophysics. Drs. Kaspar von Braun and Tabetha Boyajian use direct methods to characterize exoplanet host starts that minimize the number of assumptions needed to be made in the process. The book provides a background on interferometric techniques for stellar diameter measurements, illustrates the authors' approach on using additional data to fully characterize the stars, provides a comprehensive update on the current state of the field, and examines in detail a number of historically significant and well-studied exoplanetary systems.

Author : Ofer Cohen,Katherine Garcia-Sage,Meng Jin,Sudeshna Boro Saikia
Publisher : American Geophysical Union
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2024-01-18
Category : Science
ISBN : 1394205538

Get Book

Space Environments and their Impact on Exoplanets by Ofer Cohen,Katherine Garcia-Sage,Meng Jin,Sudeshna Boro Saikia Pdf

This book reviews the stellar processes that generate the space environment at which exoplanets reside, and the planetary processes that interact with the space environment. It summarizes the last decade of research on this topic and explores how space physics processes may be important for the retention and chemical composition of the atmospheres of exoplanets. These are important factors for creating the conditions of exoplanetary habitability. This book is divided into three parts: the space environment, the planets, and star-planet interaction processes that are unique to exoplanetary systems. Part I describes the background stellar environment, going from general stellar evolution, to stellar activity, and then the creation of the space environment around exoplanets. Part II describes the impact of the space environment on the upper atmospheres of exoplanets. Finally, Part III focuses on unique star-planet interaction processes that are expected in close-in exoplanets, which are very different from what we find in our own solar system.

Author : Madhu Kashyap Jagadeesh,Usha Shekhar
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 167 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2022-07-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781000625837

Get Book

Extreme Habitable Environments by Madhu Kashyap Jagadeesh,Usha Shekhar Pdf

Extreme Habitable Environments is a book authored with the intention of providing introductory material suitable for those interested in learning about exoplanets. The focal point of this book is to expose its readers to the excitement in identifying exoplanets and exploring the possibility of life on them. This book offers structured content enriched with graphics, flow charts, images and worked examples that make reading and learning a delight. This book further serves as a hands-on perspective of the solar system and exoplanets. The first two chapters give a thorough insight into the solar system replete with the dynamics of star and planet formation. Exoplanets are introduced in the third chapter. Remaining chapters deal with various aspects of exoplanets, in a phased manner. Every chapter starts with an inspirational quote by a renowned personality. Content for every chapter is written in a down-to-earth style to facilitate readers' understanding and appreciation of the fundamental concepts. While some topics are basically descriptive, others start with a simple concept and progressively become more rigorous and detailed. Every effort has been made to make each chapter as complete as possible with a view of inciting curiosity in the minds of the readers and motivating them towards additional knowledge acquisition. Numerical exercises are included at the end of relevant chapters to help readers develop independent thinking, logical analysis and deductive skills. It is hoped that this book will cater to the needs of students desirous of pursuing research and a career in the field of Exoplanets.

Author : Caleb A. Scharf
Publisher : University Science Books
Page : 496 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Science
ISBN : 1891389556

Get Book

Extrasolar Planets and Astrobiology by Caleb A. Scharf Pdf

"This book: Provides extensive grounding in key issues of astrophysics, chemistry, biology and geophysics; over 150 images and illustrations; exercises for each chapter, ranging from straightforward calculation problems to more far-ranging research-oriented exercises; an online component for users that includes new exercises and a continually updated blog of late-breaking scientific news items, fully cross referenced with the book; and extensive bibliographies for each chapter."--BOOK JACKET.

Author : Valerio Bozza,Luigi Mancini,Alessandro Sozzetti
Publisher : Springer
Page : 252 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2016-04-12
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319274584

Get Book

Methods of Detecting Exoplanets by Valerio Bozza,Luigi Mancini,Alessandro Sozzetti Pdf

In this book, renowned scientists describe the various techniques used to detect and characterize extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, with a view to unveiling the “tricks of the trade” of planet detection to a wider community. The radial velocity method, transit method, microlensing method, and direct imaging method are all clearly explained, drawing attention to their advantages and limitations and highlighting the complementary roles that they can play in improving the characterization of exoplanets’ physical and orbital properties. By probing the planetary frequency at different distances and in different conditions, these techniques are helping astrophysicists to reconstruct the scenarios of planetary formation and to give robust scientific answers to questions regarding the frequency of potentially habitable worlds. Twenty years have passed since the discovery of a Jupiter-mass companion to a main sequence star other than the Sun, heralding the birth of extrasolar planetary research; this book fully conveys the exciting progress that has been achieved during the intervening period.

Author : Carole A. Haswell
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 344 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2010-07-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 0521191831

Get Book

Transiting Exoplanets by Carole A. Haswell Pdf

The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates.

Author : Steve B. Howell,Rachel Matson,Francesco Marzari
Publisher : Frontiers Media SA
Page : 94 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2022-03-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 9782889715169

Get Book

The Effect of Stellar Multiplicity on Exoplanetary Systems by Steve B. Howell,Rachel Matson,Francesco Marzari Pdf

Author : Sara Seager
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 257 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2010-08-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780691146454

Get Book

Exoplanet Atmospheres by Sara Seager Pdf

Describes the basic physical processes, including radiative transfer, molecular absorption, and chemical processes, common to all planetary atmospheres as well as the transit, eclipse, and thermal phase variation observations that are unique to exoplanets.

Author : David S. Stevenson
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 370 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2019-09-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030255503

Get Book

Red Dwarfs by David S. Stevenson Pdf

This thought-provoking book looks at the nature of red dwarf systems as potential homes for life. Realistically, what are the prospects for life on these distant worlds? Could life evolve and survive there? How do these planetary surfaces and geologies evolve? How would life on a planet orbiting a red dwarf differ from life on Earth? And what are the implications for finding further habitable worlds in our galaxy? The author provides readers with insight into the habitability of planets and how this changes as time progresses and the central star evolves. Since the previous 2013 edition Under a Crimson Sun, there has been a rise in newly discovered planets orbiting red dwarfs, accompanied by controversial areas of research that test what we think we know about these systems. This revised edition delves into the wealth of new material uncovered since that date. It explains the often conflicting results and analyses put forward and clarifies our understanding of these exciting new worlds. The chapters explore the full width of relevant scientific discovery and speculation on the potential for red dwarf planets to host life. New content includes improved atmospheric models, new understandings of the impact of stellar radiation on the atmosphere of red dwarf worlds, tidal-locking, and comparisons with terrestrial geology and climate.

Author : Manasvi Lingam,Abraham Loeb
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 1089 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2021-06-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780674987579

Get Book

Life in the Cosmos by Manasvi Lingam,Abraham Loeb Pdf

A rigorous and scientific analysis of the myriad possibilities of life beyond our planet. ÒAre we alone in the universe?Ó This tantalizing question has captivated humanity over millennia, but seldom has it been approached rigorously. Today the search for signatures of extraterrestrial life and intelligence has become a rapidly advancing scientific endeavor. Missions to Mars, Europa, and Titan seek evidence of life. Laboratory experiments have made great strides in creating synthetic life, deepening our understanding of conditions that give rise to living entities. And on the horizon are sophisticated telescopes to detect and characterize exoplanets most likely to harbor life. Life in the Cosmos offers a thorough overview of the burgeoning field of astrobiology, including the salient methods and paradigms involved in the search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence. Manasvi Lingam and Abraham Loeb tackle three areas of interest in hunting for life Òout thereÓ: first, the pathways by which life originates and evolves; second, planetary and stellar factors that affect the habitability of worlds, with an eye on the biomarkers that may reveal the presence of microbial life; and finally, the detection of technological signals that could be indicative of intelligence. Drawing on empirical data from observations and experiments, as well as the latest theoretical and computational developments, the authors make a compelling scientific case for the search for life beyond what we can currently see. Meticulous and comprehensive, Life in the Cosmos is a master class from top researchers in astrobiology, suggesting that the answer to our age-old question is closer than ever before.

Author : Charles S. Cockell
Publisher : Springer
Page : 237 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2015-07-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319180632

Get Book

Human Governance Beyond Earth by Charles S. Cockell Pdf

This book extends the discussion of the nature of freedom and what it means for a human to be free. This question has occupied the minds of thinkers since the Enlightenment. However, without exception, every one of these discussions has focused on the character of liberty on Earth. In this volume the authors explore how people are likely to be governed in space and how that will affect what sort of liberty they experience. Who will control oxygen? How will people maximise freedom of movement in a lethal environment? What sort of political and economic systems can be created in places that will be inherently isolated? These are just a few of the major questions that bear on the topic of extra-terrestrial liberty. During the last forty years an increasing number of nations have developed the capability of launching people into space. The USA, Europe, Russia, China and soon India have human space exploration programs. These developments raise the fundamental question of how are humans to be governed in space. This book follows from a previous volume published in this series which looked at the Meaning of Liberty Beyond the Earth and explored what sort of freedoms could exist in space in a very general way. This new volume focuses on systems of governance and how they will influence which of these sorts of freedoms will become dominant in extra-terrestrial society. The book targets a wide readership covers many groups including: Space policy makers interested in understanding how societies will develop in space and what the policy implications might be for space organisations. Space engineers interested in understanding how social developments in space might influence the way in which infrastructure and space settlements should be designed. Space scientists interested in how scientific developments might influence the social structures of settlements beyond the Earth. Social scientists (political philosophers, ethicists etc) interested in understanding how societies will develop in the future.

Author : Jean-Claude Vial,Oddbjørn Engvold
Publisher : Springer
Page : 488 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2014-11-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319104164

Get Book

Solar Prominences by Jean-Claude Vial,Oddbjørn Engvold Pdf

This volume presents the latest research results on solar prominences, including new developments on e.g. chirality, fine structure, magnetism, diagnostic tools and relevant solar plasma physics. In 1875 solar prominences, as seen out of the solar limb, were described by P.A. Secchi in his book Le Soleil as "gigantic pink or peach-flower coloured flames". The development of spectroscopy, coronagraphy and polarimetry brought tremendous observational advances in the twentieth century. The authors present and discuss exciting new challenges (resulting from observations made by space and ground-based telescopes in the 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century) concerning the diagnostics of prominences, their formation, their life time and their eruption along with their impact in the heliosphere (including the Earth). The book starts with a general introduction of the prominence “object” with some historical background on observations and instrumentation. In the next chapter, the various forms of prominences are described with a thorough attempt of classification. Their thermodynamic (and velocity) properties are then derived with emphasis on the methods (and their limits) used. This goes from the simplest optically thin case to the heavy radiative treatment of plasmas out of local thermodynamic equilibrium. The following chapters are devoted to the magnetic field measurements and indirect derivation. A new branch of diagnostic tools, the seismology, is presented along with some MHD basics. This allows to better understand the propagation of waves, the energy and force equilibria. Both small-scale and large-scale studies and their relationship are presented. The importance of the newly discovered cavities is stressed in the context of prominence destabilization. The issues of prominence formation and eruption, their connection with flares and Coronal Mass Ejections and their impact on the Earth are addressed on the basis of the latest results. Finally, an exciting new area of research is unveiled with the newly discovered evidence of similar manifestations in the Universe and their possible impact on the habitability of exoplanets. References to the basic physics (where necessary) are provided and the proposed web sites addresses will allow the reader to load exciting movies. The book is aimed at advanced students in astrophysics, post-graduates, solar physicists and more generally astrophysicists. Amateurs will enjoy the many new images which go with the text.

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,Committee on Exoplanet Science Strategy
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 187 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2019-01-17
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309479417

Get Book

Exoplanet Science Strategy by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,Committee on Exoplanet Science Strategy Pdf

The past decade has delivered remarkable discoveries in the study of exoplanets. Hand-in-hand with these advances, a theoretical understanding of the myriad of processes that dictate the formation and evolution of planets has matured, spurred on by the avalanche of unexpected discoveries. Appreciation of the factors that make a planet hospitable to life has grown in sophistication, as has understanding of the context for biosignatures, the remotely detectable aspects of a planet's atmosphere or surface that reveal the presence of life. Exoplanet Science Strategy highlights strategic priorities for large, coordinated efforts that will support the scientific goals of the broad exoplanet science community. This report outlines a strategic plan that will answer lingering questions through a combination of large, ambitious community-supported efforts and support for diverse, creative, community-driven investigator research.