"A biosignature detection could transform our understanding about life in the universe."
Extreme Conditions
Scientists have identified a new group of exoplanets. Despite their differences to Earth, they are considered great candidates for searching for extraterrestrial life.
These Hycean planets, also known as Hycean, are well-known for their high temperatures and ocean-covered surfaces. They also have hydrogen-rich atmospheres. This means that they are more hostile than Earth. However, scientists from the University of Cambridge have published a new study in The Astrophysical Journal that suggests that Hycean oceans could theoretically still support the same types of microbial life as Earth's oceans.
According to Nikku Madhusudhan, lead author of the study and Cambridge astronomer, Hycean planets offer a new way for us to search for life elsewhere.
Experimentation
The search for habitable exoplanets focuses on planets that look like Earth. This is because Earth is the only known place where we have ever seen signs of life. Hycean planets, which have a radius of 2.6 times greater than Earth's and a mass 10 times greater than Earth, have been overlooked. Their temperatures can reach 200 degrees Celsius and have temperatures up to ten times higher than Earth. This is bad news for those looking for a second home to live in, but it's not the end for extremophile aliens.
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Anjali Piette, coauthor of the study, stated in the release that it is exciting to think that there could be habitable conditions on other planets than Earth.
This is theoretical work and there are no signs that life exists on Hycean planets. Scientists may have a greater chance of discovering something because the exoplanet classes is far more numerous than other candidates for habitable planets.
Madhusudhan stated that a biosignature detection could transform our understanding about life in the universe. As nature continues to amaze us, we need to be honest about where life might come from and how it could look.
READ MORE: A new class of habitable exoplanets represents a major step forward in the search to find life [University of Cambridge]
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Continue reading: Astronomers Find Intriguing, Earth-Like Exoplanet
