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Planetary habitability
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Planetary habitability is the measure of a planet's or a natural satellite's potential to develop and maintain environments hospitable to life. Life may be generated directly on a planet or satellite endogenously or be transferred to it from another body, through a hypothetical process known as panspermia. Environments do not need to contain life to be considered habitable nor are accepted habitable zones (HZ) the only areas in which life might arise.
Understanding planetary habitability is partly an extrapolation of the conditions on Earth, as this is the only planet known to support life.
Understanding planetary habitability is partly an extrapolation of the conditions on Earth, as this is the only planet known to support life.
The moons of some gas giants could potentially be habitable.
The moons of some gas giants could potentially be habitable.
An artist's impression of GJ 667 Cc, a potentially habitable planet orbiting a red dwarf constituent in a trinary star system
An artist's impression of GJ 667 Cc, a potentially habitable planet orbiting a red dwarf constituent in a trinary star system
Habitable zone
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In astronomy and astrobiology, the habitable zone (HZ), or more precisely the circumstellar habitable zone (CHZ), is the range of orbits around a star within which a planetary surface can support liquid water given sufficient atmospheric pressure. The bounds of the HZ are based on Earth's position in the Solar System and the amount of radiant energy it receives from the Sun. Due to the importance of liquid water to Earth's biosphere, the nature of the HZ and the objects within it may be instrumental in determining the scope and distribution of planets capable of supporting Earth-like extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
A diagram depicting the habitable zone boundaries around stars, and how the boundaries are affected by star type. This plot includes Solar System plan
A diagram depicting the habitable zone boundaries around stars, and how the boundaries are affected by star type. This plot includes Solar System planets (Venus, Earth, and Mars) as well as especially significant exoplanets such as TRAPPIST-1d, Kepler-186f, and our nearest neighbor Proxima Centauri b.
Natural shielding against space weather, such as the magnetosphere depicted in this artistic rendition, may be required for planets to sustain surface
Natural shielding against space weather, such as the magnetosphere depicted in this artistic rendition, may be required for planets to sustain surface water for prolonged periods.
Earth's hydrosphere. Water covers 71% of Earth's surface, with the global ocean accounting for 97.3% of the water distribution on Earth.
Earth's hydrosphere. Water covers 71% of Earth's surface, with the global ocean accounting for 97.3% of the water distribution on Earth.
Artist's concept of a planet on an eccentric orbit that passes through the HZ for only part of its orbit
Artist's concept of a planet on an eccentric orbit that passes through the HZ for only part of its orbit