In a recent letter from an astronomy researcher, we find out that exoplanets that lie within the “habitable zone” of stars could be less habitable. Such a fact is due because of the radiation blasts known as blazes. A liveable area is a place around stars that is close enough for water to appear as the liquid on the area, but far enough away that the water doesn’t become gas.
Usually, explorations for planets resembling Earth have centered on such an area as it is considered that liquid water is a necessity for most forms of life as we know it. However, that consideration has been examined recently with the finding that even planets outside of that area could hold an idea of life.
The research also investigates the viability of the livable place, by indicating the threat to life from blazes from neighboring stars. Moreover, if a planet is near to its star, it will be subject to blasts of harmful radiation when its star blazes.
Solar Radiation Could Make Exoplanets Inhabitable
It exists the possibility that exoplanets may be defended against that solar radiation if they possess a dense enough atmosphere or magnetic shielding like Earth does. However, without such things, life on the planet would be hazardous.
To find out how threatening blazes are to potential life on close planets, researcher Dimitra Atri examined over 70 blazes events. He developed the process of observation between 1956 and 2012, and she also simulated how they would have reacted with the planetary atmosphere. Atri discovered that blazes could significantly raise levels of radiation on the planets’ surface, and that raise could harm likely habitable conditions.
Atri detailed, “As we continue to explore the planets of the solar system and beyond, discovering if these planets have the ability to support life continues to be of immense importance.”
As our second lead editor, Anna C. Mackinno provides guidance on the stories Great Lakes Ledger reporters cover. She has been instrumental in making sure the content on the site is clear and accurate for our readers. If you see a particularly clever title, you can likely thank Anna. Anna received a BA and and MA from Fordham University.