2009/02/16 by Caleb Scharf, Caleb A. Scharf, Scharf, Caleb A. +17
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP) #FOS: Physical sciences #Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils #Planetary Science and Exploration #astro-ph.EP
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0902.2755
Submitted as a White Paper to the 2010 Astronomy & Astrophysics Decadal Survey
arxiv created 2009/02/16 · openalex publication_date 2009/02/16 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Terrestrial exoplanets are on the verge of joining the ranks of astronomically accessible objects. Interpreting their observable characteristics, and informing decisions on instrument design and use, will hinge on the ability to model these planets successfully across a vast range of configurations and climate forcings. A hierarchical approach that addresses fundamental behaviors as well as more complex, specific, situations is crucial to this endeavor and is presented here. Incorporating Earth-centric knowledge, and continued cross-disciplinary work will be critical, but ultimately the astrophysical study of terrestrial exoplanets must be encouraged to develop as its own field.