The habitability of super-Earths
Abstract
The unexpected diversity of exoplanets includes a growing number of super Earth-planets, i.e. exoplanets with masses smaller than 10 Earth masses and a similar chemical and mineralogical composition like Earth. We present a thermal evolution model for a super-Earth to calculate the sources and sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The photosynthesis-sustaining habitable zone (pHZ) is determined by the limits of biological productivity on the planetary surface. We apply the model to calculate the habitability of super-Earths in Gliese 581. The super-Earth Gl 581c is clearly outside the pHZ while Gl 581d at the outer edge of the pHZ could at least harbor some primitive life forms.
- Publication:
-
EAS Publications Series
- Pub Date:
- 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1051/eas:0833039
- Bibcode:
- 2008EAS....33..275V