Studying these exoplanets could vastly 'increase our chances of finding and properly identifying a habitable planet'.
, detail how terminator zones could provide the ideal conditions for life to thrive. As these zones are essentially the dividing line between the day and night side of a planet, they could have ideal temperature conditions.
"You want a planet that’s in the sweet spot of just the right temperature for having liquid water," Lobo explained. "This is a planet where the dayside can be scorching hot, well beyond habitability, and the night side is going to be freezing, potentially covered in ice. You could have large glaciers on the night side."Lobo and colleagues used computer simulations to model the climate of terminator planets.
Astronomers have typically looked to ocean-covered exoplanets in their search for habitable alien worlds. As such, the new findings present a new category of potentially habitable planets. The nature of terminator zones does pose some serious problems for the evolution of life — they would likely inhibit any lifeform from venturing out of this narrow ring. Still, they are a compelling candidate because there is a massive abundance of M-dwarf stars hosting terminator planets in the universe.
"By exploring these exotic climate states, we increase our chances of finding and properly identifying a habitable planet in the near future," Lobo said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Terminator Zones on Harsh Planets May Sustain Life in an Endless TwilightEarth, currently, is our only blueprint for planetary habitability.
Read more »
Astronomers Say “Terminator Zones” on Distant Planets Could Harbor Extraterrestrial LifeThese in-between regions could be prime sites for liquid water. In a new study, University of California, Irvine (UCI) astronomers describe how extraterrestrial life has the potential to exist on distant exoplanets inside a special area called the “terminator zone,” which is a ring on planets that
Read more »
To scientists’ relief, key research reactor to restart 2 years after accidentMore than 2 years after an accident that caused a small and fleeting release of radiation, a research reactor that serves as a key source of neutrons for studying materials should soon be back online.
Read more »
We Spoke To The NYU Student Who Did Not Have Fun Studying Abroad In Florence And Your Insults Are Only Making Her More Powerful“Emily in Paris” has nothing on Stacia in Florence.
Read more »
Amanda Knox shocks Twitter with study abroad joke after Italy prison stintAmanda Knox, who was wrongfully convicted of killing her roommate in Italy in 2007, says 'studying abroad is awesome' in response to an NYU student's essay.
Read more »
Astronomers Say “Terminator Zones” on Distant Planets Could Harbor Extraterrestrial LifeThese in-between regions could be prime sites for liquid water. In a new study, University of California, Irvine (UCI) astronomers describe how extraterrestrial life has the potential to exist on distant exoplanets inside a special area called the “terminator zone,” which is a ring on planets that
Read more »