What does 'habitability' mean in an astronomical context?

In astronomy, habitability refers to a planet's or moon's potential to develop and sustain life, primarily concerning the presence of liquid water, a stable energy source, and protective atmospheric conditions.

What are the key factors determining a planet's habitability?

Essential factors include being within a star's habitable zone for liquid water, a suitable atmosphere, a stable stellar environment, magnetic field protection, and the presence of necessary chemical building blocks.

What is the 'habitable zone'?

Also known as the 'Goldilocks zone,' it is the region around a star where conditions are just right for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface, which is considered crucial for life as we know it.

Have scientists found any potentially habitable exoplanets?

Yes, telescopes like Kepler and TESS have identified thousands of exoplanets, with several, such as Proxima Centauri b and TRAPPIST-1e, considered potentially habitable due to their size and orbital position within their star's habitable zone.

Is liquid water the only requirement for habitability?

While critical, liquid water isn't the sole factor. Other vital conditions include a stable energy source, a suitable atmosphere for temperature regulation and protection, a stable planetary orbit, and the availability of essential chemical elements.