Scientists from the University of Washington in the United States have invented a new method for determining the habitability index for exoplanets, Sci News reports.
The full version of the research report appeared in the scientific journal Astrophysical Journal. Its authors are the team of the Virtual Planetary Laboratory in the United States, led by Professor of Astronomy Rory Barnes. They have invented a way to compare exoplanets with each other.
Scientists believe that their discovery will save not only financial resources, but also time for the study of outer space. Most of the efforts of astronomers are focused on finding life on exoplanets.
In the coming years, it is planned to launch a number of spacecraft for these purposes. In particular, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is scheduled to launch in 2017. The new method will allow not to waste time, but to direct the apparatus and telescopes to study those planets, the probability of the presence of life on which is higher.
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The index is compiled based on factors such as rockiness, presence of liquid, and albedo - the reflectivity of the surface associated with the orbit.
Sci News notes that indexes have been compiled in the past. However, none of the methods was as effective as the one described above. The study authors have compiled a long list of planets, the study of which is advised to start first.
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In their opinion, it is necessary to search for life, first of all, on planets with 60 to 90 percent of the amount of solar radiation received by the Earth.