Greifswald 2024 – scientific programme
Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help
EP: Fachverband Extraterrestrische Physik
EP 2: Planets in their Environment
EP 2.13: Talk
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 18:30–18:45, ELP 1: HS 1.22
On the Comprehensive 3D Modelling of the Radiation Environment of Proxima Centauri b: a New Constraint on Habitability? — •Klaus Scherer1, Konstantin Herbst2, Eugene Engelbrecht3, Juandre Light3, DuToit Strauss3, and Juandre Light3 — 1RUB — 2CAU — 3NWU
The combined influence of stellar energetic particles (StEPS) and galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) on the radiation environment, and hence potential habitability, of Earth-like exoplanets is relatively unknown. The present study, for the first time, comprehensively models the transport of these particles in a physics-first manner, using a unique suite of numerical models applied to the astrosphere of Proxima Centauri. The astrospheric plasma environment is modelled magnetohydrodynamically, while particle transport is modelled using a 3D ab initio GCR modulation code, as opposed to previous 1D approaches to this problem. StEP intensities are also calculated using observed stellar event profiles for Proxima Centauri as inputs. Computed intensities are then used to calculate possible atmospheric ionization effects and dose rates. We demonstrate the significant contribution of GCRs to these quantities and propose a novel constraint on exoplanetary habitability based on the unique 3D modelling approach presented here.
Keywords: Habitability; Astrosphere; Cosmic Ray flux; stellar flares