EXPLORING KEPLER 62F'S CLIMATE DYNAMICS THROUGH AN ENERGY BALANCE MODEL

Authors

Ian McLean, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698Follow
Jordan Hewins, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698Follow
Jasmine Freeman, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698Follow
Billy Quarles, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698Follow

Abstract

Energy balance models evaluate the thermal diffusion within the atmosphere of an Earthlike planet, and thus are useful for evaluating the potential climates of planets within the habitable zone of their host star. The habitable zone simply marks the orbital distances where the radiative flux from the host star could plausibly be sufficient to allow for water on the surface of a terrestrial planet. We use a 1D energy balance model, an open source python package called ClimLab, to evaluate how changes in the spin of Kepler-62f affect its potential climate. The axial tilt of Kepler-62f is perturbed by its neighboring planets, which can cause variations in the seasonal production of ice on its surface. The climate of Kepler-62f can be modified through a feedback from the changes in the planet’s reflectivity, which is similar to Earth’s Milankovitch cycles, or periods of glacial advance and retreat. Our results show that the extent of ice coverage on Kepler-62f does not vary greatly because the axial tilt remains stable. Modeling the potential climates of exoplanets, like Kepler-62f, using energy balance models can be helpful to better target other possible reservoirs for life in our Galaxy.

Recommended Citation

McLean, Ian; Hewins, Jordan; Freeman, Jasmine; and Quarles, Billy (2024) "EXPLORING KEPLER 62F'S CLIMATE DYNAMICS THROUGH AN ENERGY BALANCE MODEL," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 82, No. 1, Article 86.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol82/iss1/86