Centre for Exoplanet Science

3 May 2016: Sarah Rugheimer - Impact of UV on the Spectral Fingerprints of Earth-like Planets Orbiting FGKM Stars

The spectral type of the host star will influence our ability to detect atmospheric features with future space and ground based missions like JWST, GMT and horizon direct detection missions like HDST/LUVOIR. Specifically, the UV emission from a planet’s host star dominates the photochemistry and thus the resultant observable spectral features. Using the latest UV spectra obtained by HST as well as IUE, we model Earth-like planets for a wide range of host stars and geological epochs from pre-biotic to modern Earth-like biology. We detail the results of stellar activity on the primary detectable atmospheric features that indicate habitability on Earth, namely: H2O, O3, CH4, N2O and CH3Cl. Our model spectra of terrestrial planets spans a grid of FGKM host stars and is presented for the VIS/NIR (0.4 μm - 4 μm) and the IR (5 μm - 20 μm) wavelengths.  

May 03 2016 -

3 May 2016: Sarah Rugheimer - Impact of UV on the Spectral Fingerprints of Earth-like Planets Orbiting FGKM Stars

The spectral type of the host star will influence our ability to detect atmospheric features with future space and ground based missions like JWST, GMT and horizon direct detection missions like HDST/LUVOIR.

ROE Lecture Theatre