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The habitability of super-Earths

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2008

H. Zinnecker ,
N. Epchtein ,
H. Rauer ,
W. von Bloh ,
C. Bounama ,
M. Cuntz  and
S. Franck
W. von Bloh*
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, PO Box 601203, 14412 Potsdam, Germany
C. Bounama
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, PO Box 601203, 14412 Potsdam, Germany
M. Cuntz
Affiliation:
University of Texas at Arlington, PO Box 19059, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
S. Franck
Affiliation:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, PO Box 601203, 14412 Potsdam, Germany
*
[email protected]
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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 mineralogicalcomposition like Earth. We present a thermal evolution model for a super-Earth to calculate the sourcesand sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The photosynthesis-sustaining habitable zone (pHZ) isdetermined by the limits of biological productivity on the planetary surface. We apply the model tocalculate the habitability of super-Earths in Gliese 581. The super-Earth Gl 581c is clearly outside thepHZ while Gl 581d at the outer edge of the pHZ could at least harbor some primitive life forms.

Type
Research Article
Information
European Astronomical Society Publications Series , Volume 33: 2nd ARENA Conference: The Astrophysical Science Cases at Dome C , 2008 , pp. 275 - 278
Copyright
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2008

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