Origin and Evolution of Planetary Atmospheres, 2013 Implications for Habitability SpringerBriefs in Astronomy Series

Based on the author?s own work and results obtained by international teams he coordinated, this SpringerBrief offers a concise discussion of the origin and early evolution of atmospheres of terrestrial planets during the active phase of their host stars, as well as of the environmental conditions which are necessary in order for planets like the Earth to obtain N_2-rich atmospheres. Possible thermal and non-thermal atmospheric escape processes are discussed in a comparative way between the planets in the Solar System and exoplanets. Lastly, a hypothesis for how to test and study the discussed atmosphere evolution theories using future UV transit observations of terrestrial exoplanets within the orbits of dwarf stars is presented.

1 Protoatmospheres.- 2 Evolution of the Solar/Stellar Radiation and Plasma Environment.- 3 Escape of Planetary Atmospheres.- 4 Observational Tests of Atmosphere Evolution Hypotheses.- 5 Conclusion. Index.

Offers a concise discussion of origin and early evolution of terrestrial planet atmospheres during the active phase of their host stars

Provides insights in the conditions under which Earth-like planets could be habitable

Compares thermal and nonthermal atmospheric escape processes in solar system planets and exoplanets

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras