NASA finds evidence of potential extraterrestrial oceans on 17 distant exoplanets
NASA has made a significant discovery that broadens the scope of the quest for alien life. A recent study has identified 17 exoplanets located outside our solar system that could potentially harbor hidden oceans beneath their icy surfaces. What makes this finding particularly fascinating is the potential occurrence of periodic eruptions, similar to geysers, which could breach the frozen exteriors of these distant planets.
Subterranean oceans
The study, conducted by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, included a careful analysis of geyser activity on these exoplanets. Remarkably, two of these celestial bodies are within observing distance of telescopes, providing an unprecedented opportunity to witness these icy eruptions. This discovery is of utmost importance because the subsurface oceans of these planets may harbor life given the necessary components such as the energy source and the elements and compounds needed for biological processes.
Despite uncertainty about the exact composition of these exoplanets, previous studies estimating surface temperatures indicate that they are significantly colder than Earth. Also, although they are similar in size to our planet, they are less dense.
Internal heating mechanisms
Lynnae Quick of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center emphasized, “Our analyzes predict that these 17 worlds may have ice-covered surfaces, but receive enough internal heat from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to sustain internal oceans.”
Basically, while host stars may not provide the necessary heat to keep surface water in liquid form, internal processes such as gravitational interaction with the “sun” and radioactive decay of heavy elements in their cores can generate enough heat to sustain subsurface oceans. . This internal heating, as Quick explained, can lead to cryovolcanic eruptions that resemble geyser-like clouds.
The research was inspired by geyser activity observed on two of Jupiter’s moons, Europa and Enceladus. In particular, the study identified Proxima Centauri b and LHS1140 b as particularly promising candidates because the oceans are relatively close to the surface.
Quick noted that “telescopes are most likely to detect geological activity on these planets,” highlighting the potential for cryovolcanic eruptions hundreds or thousands of times more powerful than Europa’s. Future observations include capturing the emission spectra of light passing through the atmospheres of these exoplanets to determine whether the chemicals and molecules from cryovolcanic activity might contain signs of life in the cold depths of these distant worlds. This research, published in October in The Astrophysical Journal, is a major step forward in the study of the cosmos.
