Possible atmospheric destruction of a potentially habitable exoplanet
phys.org
Astrophysicists studying a popular exoplanet in its star's habitable zone have found that electric currents in the planet's upper atmosphere could create sufficient heating to expand the atmosphere enough that it leaves the planet, likely leaving the planet uninhabitable.
  • Nath@aussie.zone
    2·
    4 months ago

    A solar system 41 light years away. We have studied seven planets on it and scientists are speculating on the reasons why we are observing atmospheric changes on one of those planets.

    It amazes me. I think science fiction might have desensitised us to the concept of a light year. We are decades if not centuries from leaving our planet, but are able to observe details on planets that are so far away.