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Recent observations by astronomers suggest that rocky planets orbiting smaller, cooler stars might represent the most likely environments for life throughout the galaxy (SN: 6/14/17). However, these stars often exhibit volatile behavior, generating fierce flares that can deplete a planet’s water supply within a few billion years following its formation (SN: 6/7/24).
In light of these challenges, Moore and his team explored the possibility of planets storing water deep within their interiors, delaying its release to oceans and atmospheres until their stars have stabilized over time. The researchers conducted a straightforward simulation mimicking the life cycle of a planet: it begins as a hot, molten entity, with some water dissolved in a global magma ocean. Initially, it may possess water or acquire it later through impacts from comets or asteroids (SN: 11/16/22).
As the simulated planet cools, water vaporizes, leading to the formation of an atmosphere. This process does result in some water being lost to space; however, a portion dissolves into the planet’s mantle and can later re-emerge into the atmosphere. This method of water preservation in the mantle serves to shield it from the intense radiation of the host star.
The team’s findings indicate that an Earth-mass planet would need to commence with three to eight times the volume of water present in Earth’s oceans to successfully develop oceans and continents after approximately 5 billion years. Notably, planets beginning with up to 12 times Earth’s oceanic water could evolve into completely aquatic worlds, devoid of any landmasses. These intriguing planets could exist and potentially support life forms, even in the absence of terrestrial land (SN: 3/19/18).
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