PLANETARY HABITABILITY LABORATORY
Mapping the Habitable Universe
Welcome to the PHL
The Planetary Habitability Laboratory (PHL) is a research facility dedicated to studying planetary habitability, with a focus on Earth, the Solar System, and exoplanets beyond. It combines astrophysics, planetary science, climate modeling, and biology to evaluate the potential for life in various environments. The PHL is managed by the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo and is recognized for its valuable contributions to the study of planetary habitability and the search for life in the universe.
Main Projects
Arecibo Wow!
The Arecibo Wow! project is an initiative to analyze unexplained radio signals from space in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Inspired by the famous 1977 “Wow! Signal,” this project utilizes historical and modern radio telescope data, including those from the now-collapsed Arecibo Observatory, to investigate potential extraterrestrial signals. By leveraging computational techniques and collaborating with the global scientific community, the Arecibo Wow! project seeks to enhance our understanding of cosmic radio anomalies and the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth.
Habitable Worlds Catalog
The Habitable Worlds Catalog (HWC) is a comprehensive database that systematically assesses and classifies planets based on their potential to support life. This catalog compiles data from space telescopes, ground-based observatories, and computational models to evaluate key habitability indicators. Integrating multidisciplinary research from astrophysics, planetary science, and astrobiology, the catalog is an essential tool for identifying the most promising candidates for future observational and exploration missions.
