Modelling the Atmospheres and Habitability of Tidally-locked Terrestrial Exoplanets

Come and hear Dr. Andrew J. Rushby discuss the novel climatologies of tidally-locked (synchronously-rotating) planets in the orbit of small, cool M-dwarf stars. These are rocky planets where, due to tidal braking, one hemisphere always faces towards the star while the other hemisphere is in darkness. This leads to very different modes and mechanisms of heat transport around the planet when compared to the Earth.

These planets are likely common in our galaxy, and while uncertainty exists regarding their ability to retain thick atmospheres due to stellar effects, we will consider their possible climates and potential for habitability including some recent results. The talk will cover recent studies that have been used to uncover some of the effects of these complex ‘non-Earth-like’ rotational regimes, revealing a surprising diversity and complexity in atmospheric circulation and heat transport, as well as the burgeoning concept of 'terminator zone' habitability.

If time allows, the…