Boundaries of the habitable zone: unifying dynamics, astrophysics, and astrobiology

Abstract

Abstract. We are witnessing tremendous progress in the nascent multidisciplinary field of astrobiology, encompassing the origin and evolution of life in the cosmic context. One of the key concepts recently introduced in this field is the Galactic Habitable Zone (GHZ): an interval of galactocentric distances convenient for formation of stars possessing habitable planets. The boundaries of the GHZ are still poorly understood, however. Here we present a comparative analysis of various proposals for the mechanisms determining the GHZ boundaries, as well as different numerical values obtained. When joined with the models of Galactic stellar distribution, this gives us a better handle on the number of potential life-bearing sites.