Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science Subsurface oceans: The hidden potential of Earth-like exoplanets
10 snips
Sep 6, 2023 Lujendra Ojha, assistant professor at Rutgers University, discusses subsurface liquid water on exoplanets orbiting red dwarf stars and its potential for habitable worlds. They explore the Trappist system, Proxima Centauri B, and the prevalence of M-dwarf stars. They also discuss factors impacting basal bounty on exoplanets, challenges of melting ice, and the potential for life beneath ice sheets.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Subsurface Oceans on Exoplanets
- Lujendra Ojha's research suggests subsurface water on exoplanets could increase the likelihood of finding habitable worlds.
- This challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting even inhospitable surfaces could hide oceans.
The Importance of Liquid Water
- Water is abundant in the universe, but liquid water, crucial for habitability, is less common.
- Ojha focuses on understanding conditions creating liquid water in exotic planetary environments.
Subsurface Oceans vs. Surface Water
- Previous studies focused on surface water, underestimating potential habitability.
- Ojha's study highlights subsurface oceans, increasing the odds of finding liquid water.