Is Life Most Likely Around Sun-like Stars?

TL;DR

This paper assesses the habitability of Earth-like planets around stars of different types, concluding that Sun-like stars are the most likely hosts for life due to combined stellar and biological factors.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of how stellar properties influence planetary habitability, highlighting the optimal conditions around K- and G-type stars.

Findings

Planets around M-dwarfs are less likely to host life due to atmospheric erosion and UV exposure.

Habitability is highest around K- and G-type stars.

The Sun's habitability status is slightly unusual but not exceptional.

Abstract

We consider the habitability of Earth-analogs around stars of different masses, which is regulated by the stellar lifetime, stellar wind-induced atmospheric erosion, and biologically active ultraviolet (UV) irradiance. By estimating the timescales associated with each of these processes, we show that they collectively impose limits on the habitability of Earth-analogs. We conclude that planets orbiting most M-dwarfs are not likely to host life, and that the highest probability of complex biospheres is for planets around K- and G-type stars. Our analysis suggests that the current existence of life near the Sun is slightly unusual, but not significantly anomalous.