NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — In a new study, NASA has discovered 17 exoplanets that may harbor oceans of liquid water beneath their icy surfaces. This discovery opens up new possibilities for the search for extraterrestrial life, as water is considered an essential ingredient for sustaining life as we know it.
By comparing these exoplanets with Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, and Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, scientists found similarities in the potential of subsurface oceans. It turns out that both Europa and Enceladus have subsurface oceans due to internal heating caused by tidal forces from their host planets and neighboring moons.
Dr. Lynne Quick of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland explains: “Our analysis shows that the surfaces of these 17 worlds may be covered in ice, but they receive enough internal heat from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to maintain internal oceans. Due to internal heating, all planets in our study may also exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions in the form of geyser-like plumes.”
This study provides valuable insights into the composition and climate of these exoplanets. The team focused on 17 confirmed exoplanets that are similar in size to Earth but less dense, suggesting greater concentrations of ice and water instead of rock. Although the exact composition of these planets is not yet known, previous studies have shown that their surface temperatures are much colder than Earth’s, indicating the possibility of icy surfaces.
The search for life beyond our solar system has always been a topic of great interest and intrigue. Scientists have long focused on exoplanets within a star’s “habitable zone,” where temperatures are suitable for liquid water to exist on the surface. However, this study shows that even on exoplanets that are too distant and cold, subsurface oceans may exist.
The existence of subsurface oceans increases the likelihood of life existing in extreme environments. On Earth, entire ecosystems thrive in complete darkness on the ocean floor near hydrothermal vents that supply energy and nutrients. If these exoplanets have the necessary energy and elements for biological molecules, then they could potentially support life.
To quote Dr. Quick: “These subsurface oceans can harbor life if they have other necessary elements, such as an energy source and elements and compounds used in biological molecules.” This discovery expands our understanding of the potential habitability of exoplanets and contributes to the search for life beyond our solar system.
The team also calculated the number of geysers on these exoplanets, marking the first time such an estimate has been made. They identified two exoplanets that are close enough that signs of eruptions can be observed using telescopes. This opens up wide possibilities for future observations and further research.
By studying these exoplanets, scientists hope to better understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems. The data obtained could provide valuable information about the conditions necessary for the existence of life in other parts of the Universe.
As we continue to explore the vastness of space, the search for extraterrestrial life remains a fascinating pursuit. The discovery of potential oceans beneath the icy shells of these 17 exoplanets brings us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and finding answers to one of humanity’s deepest questions: are we alone?
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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