Sunday 11 May 2025
Scientists have made a significant discovery about two exoplanets orbiting an M-dwarf star, Kepler-1649. This small, cool star is located about 300 light-years away and has been studied extensively by astronomers. The two planets, b and c, are thought to be terrestrial in nature, meaning they could potentially support life.
The research team used a complex computer model to simulate the atmospheric escape of ions from the exoplanets over a period of four billion years. They found that both planets could have retained their atmospheres for gigayear timescales, despite being bombarded by intense stellar winds and high-energy radiation from their host star.
The study focused on the ionization rates of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere of each planet. These ions are sensitive to changes in the star’s energy output over time. By analyzing these rates, the researchers were able to reconstruct the history of atmospheric loss for both planets.
The results suggest that Kepler-1649 b and c may have evolved differently than Earth, which has a thick atmosphere and a stable climate. The exoplanets’ atmospheres are likely to be much thinner and more susceptible to erosion by solar winds and radiation.
The discovery provides valuable insights into the long-term evolution of planetary atmospheres and the potential for life beyond our solar system. It also highlights the importance of studying M-dwarf stars, which are thought to make up about 70% of all stars in the galaxy.
The research team’s findings have significant implications for future exoplanet hunting missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. By understanding how atmospheres evolve over time, astronomers can better identify potentially habitable worlds and prioritize targets for further study.
In addition, the study underscores the complexity of planetary formation and evolution. The results suggest that even small changes in a star’s energy output or the composition of its atmosphere can have significant effects on the development of life-supporting conditions.
The research team’s work is an important step forward in our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres and the potential for life beyond Earth. As we continue to explore the universe, discoveries like this one will help us better understand the conditions necessary for life to emerge and thrive elsewhere in the cosmos.
Cite this article: “Unraveling Atmospheric Evolution of Exoplanets Orbiting M-Dwarf Star Kepler-1649”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Exoplanets, Kepler-1649, M-Dwarf Star, Atmosphere, Ionization Rates, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Stellar Winds, Radiation, Habitability
