An atmosphere is what makes life on Earth’s surface possible, regulating our climate and sheltering us from damaging cosmic rays.
An atmosphere is what makes life on Earth’s surface possible, regulating our climate and sheltering us from damaging cosmic rays. But although telescopes have counted a growing number of rocky planets, scientists had thought most of their atmospheres long lost.
However, a new study by University of Chicago and Stanford University researchers suggests a mechanism whereby these planets could not only develop atmospheres full of water vapor, but keep them for long stretches. Published March 15 in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, the research expands our picture of planetary formation and could help direct the search for habitable worlds in other star systems.
“Our model is saying that these hot, rocky exoplanets should have a water-dominated atmosphere at some stage, and for some planets, it may be quite a long time,” said Asst. Prof. Edwin Kite, an expert in how planetary atmospheres evolve over time.
Read more at: University of Chicago
A study suggests that exoplanets close to their stars may actually retain a thick atmosphere full of water. Above, an artist's illustration of the exoplanet WASP-121b, which appears to have water in its atmosphere. (Photo Credit: Engine House VFX, At-Bristol Science Centre, University of Exeter)
