Published May 1, 2018 | Version v1
Journal article

Is life most likely around Sun-like stars?

  • 1. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States)

Description

We consider the habitability of Earth-analogs around stars of different masses, which is regulated by the stellar lifetime, stellar wind-induced atmospheric erosion, and biologically active ultraviolet (UV) irradiance. By estimating the timescales associated with each of these processes, we show that they collectively impose limits on the habitability of Earth-analogs. We conclude that planets orbiting most M-dwarfs are not likely to host life, and that the highest probability of complex biospheres is for planets around K- and G-type stars. Our analysis suggests that the current existence of life near the Sun is slightly unusual, but not significantly anomalous.

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2018/05/020

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Journal Volume
2018
Journal Issue
05
Journal Page Range
p. 020
ISSN
1475-7516

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
51061938
Subject category
S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Descriptors DEI
BIOSPHERE; MASS; PLANETS; RADIANT FLUX DENSITY; STARS; STELLAR WINDS; ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
Descriptors DEC
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; FLUX DENSITY; RADIATIONS; STELLAR ACTIVITY