Input data required for accurate modeling

Spectral properties of M dwarfs, especially in UV and x-rays, versus spectral type

Interaction of star and planet: sputtering of planet's atmosphere, photochemistry, etc.

Accurate spectra of flares over the range for visible to UV to X-ray

Current research that is relevant

Hubble Space Telescope survey of ~100 M stars near UV

Improved census of nearby volume-limited sample of stars (Henry, m-stars)

Spitzer Telescope census of young M stars for debris disk fraction and evolution and ground-based 20 micron and 350 micron observations from Mauna Kea; compare spectral types G and M

Use RHESSI spacecraft data to create updated, spectrum of powerful solar flares including particles

Model response of planetary atmospheric structure, chemistry, and escape processes due to stellar winds, flares and other variability.

Define changes fluxes at top of atmospheres on climate and circulation

- Changes in stellar flux

- Orbital changes

Quantify the wavelength dependence for biological damage due to radiation and oxidative sources, with an attempt to determine a threshold for sterilization

Other research that would help

Study the distribution of volatiles and elements heavier that helium in M dwarf protoplanetary disks.  Understand the metallicity of planets in the habitable zone.

Model and predict duration of geothermal activity in planets orbiting M dwarfs.

Measure mass loss rates for a sample of M dwarf stars

Construct largest possible catalog of M dwarf stars using 2MASS and SuperCOSMOS.