Artist’s impression, frozen world with sub-surface ocean
Lujendra Ojha
Recent scientific research, published today, suggests that the presence of exoplanets with liquid water is more abundant than previously believed. This exciting finding significantly increases the likelihood of life existing in other parts of the galaxy, according to the authors.
Dr. Lujendra Ojha, the lead researcher from Rutgers University, New Jersey, made the revelation during the Goldschmidt geochemistry conference in Lyon, France. He stated, “Previously, it was estimated that only one rocky planet out of every hundred stars could have liquid water. However, our new model suggests that, under the right conditions, this ratio could approach one planet per star. This means we are a hundred times more likely to discover liquid water than previously believed.”
Considering the Milky Way galaxy alone contains at least 100 billion stars, Ojha emphasized that “the high probability of exoplanets with liquid water greatly enhances the chances of life originating elsewhere in the vast universe.”
Subterranean Oceans
While Earth-like exoplanets with visible oceans, lakes, and rivers may be uncommon, the study reveals that many stars possess geological conditions suitable for sub-surface liquid water.
Subterranean oceans have already been identified in various celestial bodies within our solar system. These include Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, and Europa and Ganymede, moons of Jupiter, which are believed to have saltwater oceans hidden beneath icy exteriors.
Furthermore, dwarf planets Pluto and Ceres, as well as some of Uranus’ moons, are also suspected of harboring underground oceans.
Essential for Life
Dr. Ojha highlighted the importance of liquid water for the existence of life, stating, “We know that liquid water is a fundamental requirement for life as we know it.” The study reveals that such water can exist in unexpected locations that were not previously considered by planetary scientists. Ojha added, “This significantly increases the chances of finding environments where life could potentially develop.”
The conclusion is based on insights into how frozen planets could support sub-surface liquid water:
- Deep planetary radioactivity can generate enough heat to keep water in a liquid state, similar to Antarctica and the Canadian Arctic.
- The gravitational effects of the large planets they orbit, such as Saturn and Jupiter, churn the interiors of these planets, creating conditions suitable for liquid water.
Red Dwarf Stars
The study also found that a significant percentage of exoplanets orbiting red dwarf stars, which are the most abundant type of star in the Milky Way, can generate their own heat. According to Ojha, “When we consider the possibility of radioactively generated liquid water, it is likely that a high percentage of these exoplanets can sustain sufficient heat for liquid water to exist. This number is much greater than what was previously estimated.”
Additionally, the study explores the influence of solar system “wet moons.” Ojha explains, “Their interiors are continually affected by the gravitational forces of the large planets they orbit, like Saturn and Jupiter. This effect is similar to the impact of our moon on tides but much stronger.”
Wet Moons
The moons Enceladus and Europa are prime candidates for discovering life within our own solar system, and space agencies worldwide are actively investigating these possibilities.
The European Space Agency’s JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission, which launched in April 2023, is set to arrive at Ganymede in 2031 after conducting flybys of Europa and Callisto. NASA’s Europa Clipper will launch in October 2024 and conduct 32 flybys of Europa starting in 2030.
May you have clear skies and open eyes.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
