Journal of Aeronautics & Aerospace Engineering
Open Access

The influence of UV radiation on exoplanets habitability

2^nd International Conference and Exhibition on Satellite & Space Missions

July 21-23, 2016 Berlin, Germany

Giora Shaviv

Israel Institute of Technology, Israel

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Aeronaut Aerospace Eng

Abstract :

High level of stellar UV radiation on a planet��?s surface may prevent planet��?s habitability and limit the width of the habitability zone (HZ). Hence, we wish to estimate the UV Index as a function of the stellar parameters for Earth-like planets within the HZ of main sequence stars. The stellar radiation that impinges the surface is calculated by a 1-dimensional radiative transfer model which couples the photo-chemical reactions in the atmosphere. The calculations show that the oxygen and ozone molecules provide a sufficient protection from the stellar radiation, even for hot host stars, as the UV Index can reach a maximal value of 21 units (about twice higher than on Earth). Furthermore, the UV Index is highest on planets which orbit stars with an effective temperature of about 9,000 K, and is lower for hotter and colder stars.

Biography :

Email: giora@shaviv.org