Assignment:
To complete your research you can use the internet, the class textbook, and popular astronomy magazines such as Science, Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, and Scientific American. Many of these have databases online, which should make researching easier. Also note that the LSSC Library provides access to many databases which may contain articles to support your research. News stories from CNN and online newspaper sites may also be helpful.
Your paper should be 4-6 double spaced pages, typed with 12 point font, and you should have at least THREE CITATIONS. If the resource is a webpage, please include the webpage title and URL.
Many recent announcements in astronomical news mention the discovery of exoplanetary terrestrial bodies. Some of these earth-like planets orbit within the habitable region of their host star. However, being the habitable region does not guarantee alien life will exist on the planet. There are numerous factors that influence the habitability of exoplanets, and the magnetic field properties of the planet and host star are among them. Stellar activity (including coronal mass ejections and the stellar wind) may erode exoplanetary atmospheres, while exoplanetary magnetic fields may protect the atmosphere. What features of the host star and exoplanet are more likely to make them habitable? Support your discussion with current research on exoplanetary discoveries.