Astrobiological Effects of F, G, K and M Main-Sequence Stars

Authors: M. Cuntz, L. Gurdemir, E. F. Guinan, R. L. Kurucz

(Submitted on 19 Dec 2007)

Abstract: We focus on the astrobiological effects of photospheric radiation produced by main-sequence stars of spectral types F, G, K, and M. The photospheric radiation is represented by using realistic spectra, taking into account millions or hundred of millions of lines for atoms and molecules. DNA is taken as a proxy for carbon-based macromolecules, assumed to be the chemical centerpiece of extraterrestrial life forms. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of the radiative environment in conservative as well as generalized habitable zones.

Comments: 3 pages, 3 figures; submitted to: Exoplanets: Detection, Formation and Dynamics, IAU Symposium 249, eds. Y.S. Sun and S. Ferraz-Mello (San Francisco: Astr. Soc. Pac.)

Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph)

Cite as: arXiv:0712.3257v1 [astro-ph]

Submission history

From: Manfred Cuntz [view email]

[v1] Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:54:21 GMT (87kb)

http://arxiv.org/abs/0712.3257

Astrobiology in the Environments of Main-Sequence Stars: Effects of Photospheric Radiation

Authors: M. Cuntz, L. Gurdemir, E.F. Guinan, R. L. Kurucz

(Submitted on 19 Dec 2007)

Abstract: We explore if carbon-based macromolecules (such as DNA) in the environments of stars other than the Sun are able to survive the effects of photospheric stellar radiation, such as UV-C. Therefore, we focus on main-sequence stars of spectral types F, G, K, and M. Emphasis is placed on investigating the radiative environment in the stellar habitable zones. Stellar habitable zones are relevant to astrobiology because they constitute circumstellar regions in which a planet of suitable size can maintain surface temperatures for water to exist in fluid form, thus increasing the likelihood of Earth-type life.

Comments: 4 pages, 4 figures; submitted to: Bioastronomy 2007: Molecules, Microbes and Extraterrestrial Life, eds. K. Meech, M. Mumma, J. Siefert and D. Werthimer, A.S.P. Conf. Ser

Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph)

Cite as: arXiv:0712.3260v1 [astro-ph]

Submission history

From: Manfred Cuntz [view email]

[v1] Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:25:24 GMT (130kb)

http://arxiv.org/abs/0712.3260