Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-01-14
International Journal of Astrobiology, vol. 7, parts 3&4, 279-292 (2008)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
37 pages, 12 Figures
Scientific paper
Whereas the Solar System has Mars and Europa as the best candidates for finding fossil/extant life as we know it - based on complex carbon compounds and liquid water - the 263 (non-pulsar) planetary systems around other stars as known at 15 September 2008 could between them possess many more planets where life might exist. Moreover, the number of these exoplanetary systems is growing steadily, and with this growth there is an increase in the number of planets that could bear carbon-liquid water life. In this brief review the main methods by which exoplanets are being discovered are outlined, and then the discoveries that have so far been made are presented. Habitability is then discussed, and an outline presented of how a planet could be studied from afar to determine whether it is habitable, and whether it is indeed inhabited. This review is aimed at the astrobiology community, which spans many disciplines, few of which involve exoplanets. It is therefore at a basic level and concentrates on the major topics.
No associations
LandOfFree
Exoplanets - search methods, discoveries, and prospects for astrobiology does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Exoplanets - search methods, discoveries, and prospects for astrobiology, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Exoplanets - search methods, discoveries, and prospects for astrobiology will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-375653