Exomoon Habitability around M-Dwarfs using Retrograde Orbits

Mihir Bhatnagar

This project tested the validity of larger gravitationally stable regions around exoplanets for orbiting retrograde exomoons compared to prograde exomoons, by running python simulations on the short term orbital evolution of hypothesized retrograde and prograde exomoon orbits around confirmed habitable-zone dwelling exoplanets of Class M Red Dwarf star systems. Project results proved retrograde exomoons to have larger orbitally stable regions and prospects for habitability based on applied tidal heating constraints, across all tested M-dwarf systems.

Major: 
Mechanical Engineering
Exhibition Category: 
Physical Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Oral Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Darren Williams
Poster Number: 
16556