Editing Epsilon Eridani (section)

==== Potential habitability ====
Epsilon Eridani is a target for planet finding programs because it has properties that allow an Earth-like planet to form. Although this system was not chosen as a primary candidate for the now-canceled [[Terrestrial Planet Finder]], it was a target star for NASA's proposed [[Space Interferometry Mission]] to search for Earth-sized planets.<ref name=mccarcty2008 /> The proximity, Sun-like properties and suspected planets of Epsilon Eridani have also made it the subject of multiple studies on whether an [[interstellar probe]] can be sent to Epsilon Eridani.<ref name=jsr22_345 /><ref name=jbis29_94 /><ref name=mcnutt2000 />

The orbital radius at which the stellar flux from Epsilon Eridani matches the [[solar constant]]—where the emission matches the Sun's output at the orbital distance of the Earth—is 0.61&nbsp;au.<ref name=aaa511 /> That is within the maximum [[habitable zone]] of a conjectured Earth-like planet orbiting Epsilon Eridani, which currently stretches from about 0.5 to 1.0&nbsp;au. As Epsilon Eridani ages over a period of 20&nbsp;billion years, the net luminosity will increase, causing this zone to slowly expand outward to about 0.6–1.4&nbsp;au.<ref name=ijab2_289 /> The presence of a large planet with a highly [[elliptical orbit]] in proximity to Epsilon Eridani's habitable zone reduces the likelihood of a [[terrestrial planet]] having a stable orbit within the habitable zone.<ref name=jones_underwood_sleep2003 />

A young star such as Epsilon Eridani can produce large amounts of [[ultraviolet]] radiation that may be harmful to life, but on the other hand it is a cooler star than the Sun and so produces less ultraviolet radiation to start with.<ref name=asp2003 /><ref name="BuccinoLemarchand2006" /> The orbital radius where the UV flux matches that on the early Earth lies at just under 0.5&nbsp;au.<ref name=asp2003 /> Because that is actually slightly closer to the star than the habitable zone, this has led some researchers to conclude there is not enough energy from ultraviolet radiation reaching into the habitable zone for life to ever get started around the young Epsilon Eridani.<ref name="BuccinoLemarchand2006" />