Dynamical and Biological Panspermia Constraints Within Multi-planet Exosystems

As discoveries of multiple planets in the habitable zone of their parent star mount, developing analytical techniques to quantify extrasolar intra-system panspermia will become increasingly important. Here, we provide user-friendly prescriptions that describe the asteroid impact characteristics whic...

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Veröffentlicht in:Astrobiology 2018-09, Vol.18 (9), p.1106-1122
Hauptverfasser: Veras, Dimitri, Armstrong, David J, Blake, James A, Gutiérrez-Marcos, Jose F, Jackson, Alan P, Schäefer, Hendrik
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:As discoveries of multiple planets in the habitable zone of their parent star mount, developing analytical techniques to quantify extrasolar intra-system panspermia will become increasingly important. Here, we provide user-friendly prescriptions that describe the asteroid impact characteristics which would be necessary to transport life both inwards and outwards within these systems within a single framework. Our focus is on projectile generation and delivery and our expressions are algebraic, eliminating the need for the solution of differential equations. We derive a probability distribution function for life-bearing debris to reach a planetary orbit, and describe the survival of micro-organisms during planetary ejection, their journey through interplanetary space, and atmospheric entry.
ISSN:1557-8070
DOI:10.1089/ast.2017.1786