Extrasolar Planets and AstrobiologyThis book offers an advanced introduction to the increasingly robust fields of extrasolar planets and astrobiology. This book offers an advanced introduction to the increasingly robust fields of extrasolar planets and astrobiology. No other text currently available applies this level of mathematics and physics, while also providing an extensive grounding in key issues of chemistry, biology, and geophysics. With extensive references to the literature and chapter-ending exercises, this book can be used as the core text for teaching undergraduate or introductory graduate level courses. The text will also provide astrobiologists with an indispensable “User’s Manual” when quick reference to key mathematical and physical techniques is needed. A continually updated online component, fully cross referenced with the text, is also available. Foreword by Geoff Marcy. |
Contents
Introduction Background | 1 |
Introduction Background and Preview 1 | 20 |
Problems | 28 |
Protostellar Collapse and Star Formation | 31 |
References and Suggested Reading | 73 |
Planet Formation | 77 |
Extrasolar Planets | 129 |
References | 190 |
Planetary Radiation Comparative Planetology | 243 |
References | 296 |
Cosmochemistry Dust and Prebiotic Molecules | 299 |
Comets Meteorites and Protoplanetary Disk | 333 |
References | 360 |
Habitable Zones | 365 |
References | 419 |
Alternate Habitable Zones and Beyond | 423 |
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Common terms and phrases
accretion albedo angular momentum approximately archaea assume asteroid astrobiology Astrophysical atoms bodies carbon cell characteristics chemical chemistry circumstellar collapse collision comets complex composition consider core curve daisies Daisyworld density detected discuss dust grains Earth eccentricity effect emission energy environment Equation equilibrium evolution example exoplanets Figure flux Galactic Galaxy gas giants giant planets global gravitational habitable zone hot Jupiters hydrogen impact impact events infrared interstellar interstellar medium lens light liquid water luminosity Main Sequence mass material mechanisms metal meteorites migration molecular clouds molecules Moon nebula objects observed oceans optical orbital orbital period organisms outer PAHs parent star particles phase photons physical planet formation planetary embryo planetesimals plotted potential pressure proto-planet proto-planetary disk proto-star proto-stellar radial velocity radiation radius relative rotation solar system solid species star formation stellar structure supernova surface temperature terrestrial planet terrestrial-type thermal tidal timescales transit typical wavelength worlds