Our project focuses on exoplanet detection and habitability assessment. We designed a solution that enables users to explore exoplanet data and evaluate the potential habitability of planets based on specific scientific conditions. This is achieved by leveraging real-time data from the NASA Exoplanet Archive and providing the results to users in a dynamic and interactive format.

How the Project Works:

Data Collection & Integration:
- We continuously pull real-time exoplanet data from the NASA Exoplanet Archive using an automated AWS Lambda function. This Lambda function is scheduled to run daily, ensuring that our MySQL database is always up to date with the latest discoveries and planetary data.
- The NASA API is queried daily, and the data is processed using Pandas to calculate various conditions that determine whether the exoplanets may have habitable environments.
Exoplanet Habitability Conditions:
- Our system evaluates each planet based on several habitability conditions:
  - Magnetic Field Potential: Does the planet have the necessary mass and radius to potentially generate a magnetic field?
  - Habitable Zone: Is the planet located within a distance from its star where liquid water could exist?
  - Suitable Radius & Mass: Are the planet's radius and mass within ranges that support habitability (Earth-like conditions)?
  - Atmospheric Score (Future): We aim to assess the planet’s atmosphere to identify the presence of gases like oxygen.
  - Temperature: Is the planet’s temperature within a range that could support life?
  - Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Can the planet be detected using telescopes effectively?
  - Planet-Star Separation: Can the planet be visually separated from its star using a telescope?
Frontend and User Interface:
- On the frontend, we have developed an interactive platform using React.js and THREE.js. This allows users to visualize and explore planetary systems in 3D, providing an immersive experience.
- The interface is hosted on Vercel, with Serverless Functions running the backend logic to ensure scalability and minimal hosting costs.
User Experience:
- Users can search for planets by name or explore all available planets. Our system provides an easy-to-understand interface for users to see key planetary details (such as radius, mass, and temperature) and the results of our habitability assessments.
- We also provide visual indicators to show which planets meet the habitability conditions.

Benefits and Impact:

Real-time Updates: By continuously fetching data from NASA, we provide the most current exoplanetary data, enabling up-to-date research and exploration.
User Accessibility: Our platform offers an accessible, interactive experience for users, allowing them to explore exoplanet systems without needing technical expertise.
Informed Habitability Assessment: Using scientifically established conditions, we provide users with a detailed analysis of which planets might have environments suitable for life.
Educational Tool: This project can also be a valuable educational resource for astronomy enthusiasts, students, and researchers interested in space exploration and exoplanet habitability.

Technologies and Tools Used:

Backend (Python):

AWS Lambda: Automates daily data fetching and updates our database in real-time.
Pandas: Handles data processing, analysis, and condition checks.
SQLAlchemy: Manages database interactions with MySQL for seamless data storage and retrieval.
MySQL (Aiven): Stores exoplanet data and ensures scalability.

Frontend (JavaScript):

React.js: Provides a dynamic and interactive user interface for exploring planets.
THREE.js: Enables 3D visualization of planetary systems, offering users a more engaging experience.

Hosting:

Vercel: Hosts the frontend, making our platform easily accessible and scalable.
Serverless Functions (AWS Lambda): Powers the backend logic without requiring a full server setup, reducing cost and improving performance.

2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge

CZMD