# Planetary Magnetism as a Parameter in Exoplanet Habitability

## TL;DR

This paper investigates how planetary magnetic fields influence exoplanet habitability, estimating magnetic dipole moments for rocky exoplanets and highlighting their importance in habitability assessments.

## Contribution

It applies Olson and Christensen's model to estimate magnetic moments of rocky exoplanets, emphasizing magnetism's role in habitability considerations.

## Key findings

- Most rocky exoplanets have negligible magnetic dipole moments.
- Kepler-186 f is the only planet with a magnetic moment exceeding Earth's.
- Magnetic field strength could influence the potential habitability of exoplanets.

## Abstract

Evidence from the solar system suggests that, unlike Venus and Mars, the presence of a strong magnetic dipole moment on Earth has helped maintain liquid water on its surface. Therefore, planetary magnetism could have a significant effect on the long-term maintenance of atmosphere and liquid water on rocky exoplanets. We use Olson and Christensen's (2006) model to estimate magnetic dipole moments of rocky exoplanets with radii R${}_{p}$ $\le$ 1.23 R$_\oplus$. Even when modelling maximum magnetic dipole moments, only Kepler-186 f has a magnetic dipole moment larger than the Earth's, while approximately half of rocky exoplanets detected in the circumstellar habitable zone have a negligible magnetic dipole moment. This suggests that planetary magnetism is an important factor when prioritizing observations of potentially habitable planets.