Astrobiological Effects of F, G, K and M Main-Sequence Stars

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the radiation from different types of main-sequence stars affects potential extraterrestrial life, focusing on DNA as a proxy for biological molecules within habitable zones.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of stellar radiation effects on astrobiology using realistic spectra and considers various habitable zone definitions.

Findings

Radiation levels vary significantly across star types.

DNA damage risk depends on stellar spectral characteristics.

Habitable zones' radiation environment influences potential biosignatures.

Abstract

We focus on the astrobiological effects of photospheric radiation produced by main-sequence stars of spectral types F, G, K, and M. The photospheric radiation is represented by using realistic spectra, taking into account millions or hundred of millions of lines for atoms and molecules. DNA is taken as a proxy for carbon-based macromolecules, assumed to be the chemical centerpiece of extraterrestrial life forms. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of the radiative environment in conservative as well as generalized habitable zones.