Author: Silvana

EAI on-line seminar: THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER FOR PLANET FORMATION

Bertram Bitsch, MPI for Astronomy, Germany

Tuesday, 18 May 2021, 16:00 CEST (14:00 UTC)

Exoplanet observations have revealed a wealth of data that has to be explained via planet formation simulations. Past simulations focused mainly on the mass-orbital distance distribution of exoplanets. However, recent detailed observations have allowed to constrain planetary masses and radii to such detail, that the bulk composition can be derived, giving new constraints to planet formation models. Of particular interest is the water content of close-in super-Earths and sub-Neptunes, because the water content is an important tracer of the formation history of planets as well as of great importance for the search of life on other planets. In this talk, I will outline the main ingredients of planet formation simulations, focusing on the core accretion scenario, with a particular focus on the composition of planets. In particular I will highlight the importance of water, not only for the composition of planets, but also for the formation pathway (growth and migration) of the planets themselves.

The lecture will be streamed at: https://www.gotomeet.me/EAI_online

European Astrobiology Institute presents “Life Beyond Us”

Original SF Stories and Science Essays from 44 leading science fiction authors and scientists on alien life here and beyond

There’s only one week left and it’s now over 86% funded!

What would life be like if it evolved in a cold ocean beneath an impenetrable shell of ice? Or on a world whose haze obscured any view of the universe beyond? Is there a common template for life, or can we expect to find preciously fragile silicon creatures drifting in seas of liquid nitrogen? How would finding alien life change our society?

Life Beyond Us introduces you to the strange new worlds beyond ours in 22 stories by award-winning authors of speculative fiction and 22 accompanying essays by scientists working on the origins of life, habitability and life detection. It’s going to be a fun ride!

Head over here to learn more about it on the Kickstarter website, and why not also check out what our president Ruth had to say in her EAI spotlight!