Light and Life: Exotic Photosynthesis in Binary Star Systems

TL;DR

This study models the radiation environments of Earth-like planets in binary and multiple star systems to assess their potential to support both familiar and exotic forms of photosynthetic life.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of radiation conditions in various binary and multiple star systems, exploring their capacity to host diverse photosynthetic organisms.

Findings

Stable radiation environments are possible in various binary and three-star systems.

Conditions could support both familiar and exotic photosynthesis, including infrared-based mechanisms.

Binary systems may host a range of spectral niches for photosynthetic life.

Abstract

The potential for hosting photosynthetic life on Earth-like planets within binary/multiple stellar systems was evaluated by modelling 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 found to be possible. These environmental conditions allow for the possibility of familiar, but also more exotic forms of photosynthetic life, such as infrared photosynthesisers and organisms specialised for specific spectral niches.