30th Annual Student Research Conference
Ozone as a Marker for Exoplanet Habitability
Nathan T. Scott
Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale and Dr. Carolina Sempertegui, Faculty Mentors
The search for life on habitable planets will be based around what we can detect, whether that be transmissions or molecular signals such as bio-signatures. In this talk I will focus on the idea of Molecular Bio-signatures, more specifically that of Ozone (O3) and how it has and can be utilized to optimize the probability of detection. Ozone in particular is a mainstay molecule in the terran atmosphere and resides in both the troposphere and stratosphere. It has a complex relationship with solar radiation and acts to protect the surface of the planet from harmful Ultraviolet Electromagnetic Radiation. The practicality of implementation and the chances of success of Ozone detection will be discussed at length in this presentation.
Keywords: Habitability , Ozone, Astrobiology, Exoplanet, Detection
Topic(s):Astrobiology
Chemistry
Astronomy
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 306-2
Location: MG 2050
Time: 1:15