Stellar Characterization Necessary to Define Holistic Planetary Habitability

TL;DR

Understanding stellar properties such as mass, luminosity, activity, and composition is essential for accurately assessing planetary habitability and interpreting exoplanet observations.

Contribution

This white paper highlights key stellar characteristics that must be prioritized in future missions to improve exoplanet habitability assessments.

Findings

Stellar properties influence planetary habitability assessments.

Stellar activity and composition impact exoplanet detection and characterization.

Future missions should focus on detailed stellar characterization.

Abstract

It is a truism within the exoplanet field that "to know the planet, you must know the star." This pertains to the physical properties of the star (i.e. mass, radius, luminosity, age, multiplicity), the activity and magnetic fields, as well as the stellar elemental abundances which can be used as a proxy for planetary composition. In this white paper, we discuss important stellar characteristics that require attention in upcoming ground- and space-based missions, such that their processes can be understood and either detangled from that of the planet, correlated with the presence of a planet, or utilized in lieu of direct planetary observations.