Life and Light: Exotic Photosynthesis in Binary and Multiple-Star Systems

J. T. O'Malley-James; J. A. Raven; C. S. Cockell; J. S. Greaves

doi:10.1089/ast.2011.0678

Life and Light: Exotic Photosynthesis in Binary and Multiple-Star Systems

J. T. O'Malley-James, J. A. Raven, C. S. Cockell, J. S. Greaves

School of Physics and Astronomy

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The potential for Earth-like planets within binary/multiple-star systems to host photosynthetic life was evaluated by modeling the levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) such planets receive. Combinations of M and G stars in (i) close-binary systems; (ii) wide-binary systems, and (iii) three-star systems were investigated, and a range of stable radiation environments were found to be possible. These environmental conditions allow for the possibility of familiar, but also more exotic, forms of photosynthetic life, such as IR photosynthesizers and organisms that are specialized for specific spectral niches.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	115-124
Number of pages	10
Journal	Astrobiology
Volume	12
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2011.0678
Publication status	Published - Feb 2012

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10.1089/ast.2011.0678

Astrophysics in St Andrews: Astrophysics in St Andrews / SUPA (Continuan of Rolling Grant - XPP089
Bonnell, I. A. (PI), Cameron, A. C. (CoI), Dominik, M. (CoI), Driver, S. P. (CoI), Greaves, J. S. (CoI), Horne, K. D. (CoI), Jardine, M. M. (CoI), Wood, K. (CoI) & Zhao, H. (CoI)
Science & Technology Facilities Council
1/04/09 → 31/03/12
Project: Standard

Cite this

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title = "Life and Light: Exotic Photosynthesis in Binary and Multiple-Star Systems",

abstract = "The potential for Earth-like planets within binary/multiple-star systems to host photosynthetic life was evaluated by modeling the levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) such planets receive. Combinations of M and G stars in (i) close-binary systems; (ii) wide-binary systems, and (iii) three-star systems were investigated, and a range of stable radiation environments were found to be possible. These environmental conditions allow for the possibility of familiar, but also more exotic, forms of photosynthetic life, such as IR photosynthesizers and organisms that are specialized for specific spectral niches.",

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AU - Cockell, C. S.

AU - Greaves, J. S.

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AB - The potential for Earth-like planets within binary/multiple-star systems to host photosynthetic life was evaluated by modeling the levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) such planets receive. Combinations of M and G stars in (i) close-binary systems; (ii) wide-binary systems, and (iii) three-star systems were investigated, and a range of stable radiation environments were found to be possible. These environmental conditions allow for the possibility of familiar, but also more exotic, forms of photosynthetic life, such as IR photosynthesizers and organisms that are specialized for specific spectral niches.

U2 - 10.1089/ast.2011.0678

DO - 10.1089/ast.2011.0678

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JO - Astrobiology

JF - Astrobiology

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ER -

Life and Light: Exotic Photosynthesis in Binary and Multiple-Star Systems

Abstract

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Astrophysics in St Andrews: Astrophysics in St Andrews / SUPA (Continuan of Rolling Grant - XPP089

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