Planetary Habitability refers to the ability of a celestial body, such as a planet or a moon, to support life as we understand it. This concept encompasses a range of factors, including the presence of liquid water, the appropriate temperature range, the availability of essential nutrients, and a stable environment that can sustain life forms over time. Habitability also considers the atmosphere’s composition, radiation levels, and geological stability, which can influence whether a location is suitable for living organisms. While Earth is the primary model for habitability, scientists explore other bodies in our solar system, and beyond, to determine their potential to support microbial life or even complex organisms. The study of planetary habitability is significant in astrobiology, guiding searches for extraterrestrial life and understanding the conditions that foster life in various environments throughout the universe.
The existence of a planet's magnetic field has long been recognized as a crucial factor in determining its habitability. Earth, with its strong magnetic field, is shielded from high-energy particles…