First Place in Category #4 – Science
STUDENT: Patrick Dougherty
PROJECT ADVISOR: Asif ud-Doula
ABSTRACT
Exoplanets are difficult to detect due to the immense distances between cosmic objects. The sun is 1.30 parsecs or 4.24 light years away from the closest star system. The transit method involves detecting exoplanets by measuring luminosity of a star, dimming of a star indicates an exoplanet transiting, but large distances make the detection tedious due to the small fluctuations of luminosity. Emission and transmission spectroscopy allow scientists to examine physical characteristics of exoplanets. M-dwarf stars are long-living compared to other more massive stars, allowing planets to develop for billions of years, and essentially increase the probability of life developing. Methane has the potential to be a positive indicator of life. The biosphere produces most of the methane in Earth’s atmosphere, and some organisms utilize methane as a source of carbon. Methane affects a plethora of other compounds, such as CO2 and H2O, which are crucial for the development of life. This study connects different branches of science, weaving a framework for life orbiting M-dwarf stars and highlights the importance of methane as a potential biosignature. Modern technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope due to be launched this year, will be utilized to examine exoplanets orbiting stars in the Milky Way. Key words:
Transit Method: Detection of an exoplanet transiting by measuring luminosity produced by the host star.
Transmission spectroscopy: Observing an exoplanets atmospheric chemical composition by evaluating the light passing through the atmosphere.
M-dwarf star: Long living stars with low temperature and luminosity. The most common stars in the Milky way.
Methane: Powerful greenhouse gas, produced by the biosphere and denoted as CH4.
Good, well researched poster. For the lay person, explain what an AU is. Show the extent of the habitable zone not just of the outer edge, but also the inner edge. Tie that more directly to the orbital period. Explain more clearly how one can measure the methane in the atmosphere of planet when they pass in front of their stars. Why is there less methane in the planet’s atmosphere when the star is more active (just wondering)?