The EXO-UV program: lastest advances of experimental studies to investigate the biological impact of UV radiation on exoplanets

TL;DR

The EXO-UV program combines astrophysics and biology to study UV radiation on exoplanets, revealing its potential impact on habitability and pioneering experimental research on high UVR fluences from stellar flares.

Contribution

This work introduces the first experimental investigation of biological effects caused by high UVR fluences from stellar flares on exoplanets.

Findings

First experimental study of high UVR fluences on biological systems

Insights into UVR impact during stellar flares and superflares

Foundation for future research on repetitive flare effects

Abstract

The EXO-UV program is an international, interdisciplinary collaboration between astrophysicists and biologists aimed at expanding the characterization of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) environments on exoplanets. This approach combines astrophysical studies with biological experiments to better understand the potential impacts of UVR on exoplanetary surfaces. UVR is particularly relevant because it reaches the surface of planets and can influence their habitability. The specific wavelengths within the UVR spectrum depend on the planet's atmospheric composition and the spectral energy distribution of its host star. Additionally, high UVR fluxes emitted during flares and superflares are of particular interest due to the limited information available regarding their biological impact. The EXO-UV program has successfully led to the first experimental study examining the biological effects of high UVR fluences, such as those produced by flares and superflares. Future experimental studies aim to investigate the biological effects of repetitive flares. In this paper, we review the latest results from our EXO-UV program.