Atmosphere:

Climate: A planet's climate is determined by various factors,

including the composition of its atmosphere, the amount of
greenhouse gases present, and its distance from its parent star.
Climate influences weather patterns, temperature variations,
and overall habitability.
Temperature of the Planet: The temperature of a planet is
influenced by its proximity to its star, its atmosphere's
composition, and its albedo (reflectivity). The greenhouse
effect, caused by certain gases trapping heat, can significantly
impact a planet's temperature.
Types of Gases and Ratios: Planetary atmospheres can
consist of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon
dioxide, methane, and others. The specific ratios of these gases
vary from planet to planet and can have a profound effect on
climate and habitability. For Earth, nitrogen makes up
approximately 78% of the atmosphere, oxygen about 21%, and
trace gases like carbon dioxide and methane exist in much
smaller quantities.
The Amount of Light and Energy Received: The
amount of light and energy a planet receives from its parent
star depends on its distance from the star and the star's
luminosity. This energy drives climate, weather, and the
possibility of liquid water, a key ingredient for life. Different
planets receive different amounts and types of energy based on
their location in the solar system or around other stars.

Formation of Planets:
Planets form through a process known as planetary formation
or accretion within protoplanetary disks, which are composed
of gas and dust surrounding young stars. This process generally
involves several key stages:
Protoplanetary Disk: Planetary formation begins within a
protoplanetary disk, a flat, rotating, and dense region of gas and
dust that surrounds a young star. These disks are remnants of
the material from which the star itself formed.

Dust Grain Aggregation: Initially, tiny dust particles

within the disk collide and stick together due to van der Waals
forces and electrostatic attraction. Over time, these particles
grow into larger and larger clumps.

Planetesimals Formation: As dust grains collide and

aggregate, they form larger objects called planetesimals. These
planetesimals are typically a few kilometers in size and serve as
building blocks for planets.

Planetesimal Accretion: Through gravitational

interactions, planetesimals continue to collide and merge,
growing in size. This process can lead to the formation of
planet-sized bodies called protoplanets.
Protoplanet Growth: Protoplanets continue to accrete
gas and smaller debris from the surrounding disk. Some may
become massive enough to attract substantial atmospheres
composed of gas and other volatile compounds.

Clearing the Orbit: Over time, as protoplanets grow and

interact with each other, they may clear their orbital paths of
other debris. This marks the transition from protoplanets to
full-fledged planets.
The exact details of planetary formation can vary depending on
the characteristics of the protoplanetary disk and the specific
conditions within a solar system. It's important to note that gas
giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, typically form farther from their
parent star where there's an abundance of gas, while rocky
planets, like Earth and Mars, form closer to the star, where it's
primarily rocky and metallic materials.

Rotations & Orbits:

Time to Orbit the Sun: This refers to the time it takes for
a planet to complete one orbit around its host star. This period
determines the length of a planet's year. For example, Earth
takes approximately 365.25 days to complete one orbit around
the Sun.

Rotation on Its Axis: The rotation of a planet on its axis

determines the length of its day and night cycles. A planet's
rotational speed and direction can influence its climate and
weather patterns.

Axial Tilt: Axial tilt, also known as obliquity, is the angle

between a planet's rotational axis and its orbital plane. This tilt
affects the planet's seasons. For example, Earth's axial tilt of
approximately 23.5 degrees leads to the changing seasons as it
orbits the Sun.

Orbital Properties: The orbital properties of a planet

include parameters such as eccentricity (how elliptical the orbit
is), semi-major axis (average distance from the star), and
inclination (tilt of the orbital plane). These properties can
influence a planet's climate and habitability.

Distance from the Star (Habitable Zone): The

distance a planet is from its host star is crucial for determining
its potential habitability. The habitable zone, also known as the
Goldilocks zone, is the region around a star where conditions
are suitable for liquid water to exist on the planet's surface. This
is a key factor in the search for potentially habitable exoplanets.

The Star:
The star around which a planet orbits plays a crucial role in
determining a planet's habitability. Here are some key aspects
to consider:
Star's Emissions: The type and amount of radiation
emitted by the star are critical factors. A star like our sun emits
a broad spectrum of radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet
(UV), and infrared (IR). The intensity and type of radiation
influence a planet's climate and potential for life.

Luminosity of the Star: A star's luminosity, or brightness,

affects the amount of energy received by planets in its vicinity.
The distance from the star also influences the energy received.
The habitable zone, sometimes referred to as the "Goldilocks
zone," is the region around a star where conditions are just
right for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet. This
zone is crucial for potential habitability.

Star's Stability: A stable star provides a consistent source of

energy over long periods. Variability in a star's output, such as
solar flares or changes in luminosity, can disrupt a planet's
climate and atmosphere. Long-term stability is essential for the
development and maintenance of habitable conditions.
Different types of stars have varying characteristics that impact
planetary habitability. For instance:

Main Sequence Stars: Stars like our sun, which are in the
main sequence phase of their life cycle, are generally
considered ideal for hosting habitable planets due to their
stable and long-lasting energy output.
Red Dwarf Stars: Smaller and cooler stars, like red dwarfs,
are the most common type of star in the galaxy. Planets orbiting
red dwarfs need to be closer to receive enough warmth, but
they may be subject to intense stellar radiation and tidal forces.

Massive Stars: Massive stars have short lifespans and can

emit intense radiation, making it challenging for planets to
maintain stable atmospheres and climates.
In the search for habitable exoplanets, astronomers focus on
identifying planets within the habitable zones of stars that
closely resemble our sun. This helps narrow down potential
candidates for further study and investigation regarding their
habitability.
Biological & Geological Properties
Water Cycle: The water cycle, also known as the
hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on,
above, and below the surface of the Earth. It includes processes
like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. The
water cycle is fundamental to the distribution of water
resources on Earth and is essential for supporting life.

Volcanoes: Volcanoes are geological features that form

when molten rock, ash, and gases erupt from the Earth's
interior. They play a significant role in shaping a planet's surface
and can release minerals and nutrients into the environment.
Volcanic activity can also influence climate through the release
of gases and ash.

Type of Soils: Soils are critical for supporting terrestrial life,

as they provide a medium for plant growth and contribute to
nutrient cycling. Soil composition can vary widely and is
influenced by factors such as parent material, climate,
vegetation, and time.

Biodiversity (Biosphere): Biodiversity refers to the

variety of life forms and ecosystems on a planet. It
encompasses the diversity of species, genetic diversity within
species, and the variety of ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial for
ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem
services.

Global Ocean: The global ocean, also known as the world

ocean, covers about 71% of Earth's surface and plays a crucial
role in regulating climate, supporting marine life, and providing
a source of food and resources for human populations.

Compounds like Organic Compounds: Organic

compounds are carbon-based molecules that are essential for
life as we know it. They include a wide range of molecules, from
simple organic compounds like methane to complex
biomolecules like DNA and proteins. Organic compounds are
involved in numerous biochemical processes and are critical for
the development of life.
General Properties
This category encompasses various general properties of a
planet that can influence its habitability and overall
characteristics.

Moons: Moons, also known as natural satellites, are celestial

bodies that orbit planets. They can have significant impacts on a
planet's habitability and environment. Moons can influence
tides, stabilize a planet's rotation, and even play a role in
protecting the planet from asteroid impacts.
Search Terms: "Moon influence on planets," "Moon and tides,"
"Moon's effect on climate," "Natural satellites and habitability."
Mass: The mass of a planet is a critical factor that determines
its gravitational pull. Gravitational force affects the retention of
an atmosphere, the strength of tides, and the overall
environment on the planet's surface.