A recent study, published in the journal Arxiv, linked to Cornell University, suggests that more than 160 planets may have habitable characteristics in the world. universe.
However, only a fraction of these worlds present ideal conditions to support life as we know it, with only 33 of them offering reliable UV radiation and 11 exhibiting the presence of phosphorus, an essential element for life.
Investigations with advanced telescopes to search for biosignatures
According to the researchers involved in the study, who used data from the Astro2020 Decadal Survey, these planets were identified as potential candidates to host habitable zones based on the characteristics of their parent stars.
The project is part of the Exoplanet Exploration Program at NASA, indicating a careful selection of exoplanets that may be most promising for harboring life.
Researchers highlight the need for further investigations to confirm the possibility of life – Image: iStock/Reproduction
The research results highlight the importance of further investigations, especially with the use of advanced technology telescopes, such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), scheduled to be launched in 2040.
This observatory will have as its central objective the search for other habitable worlds and confirming their habitability.
Other discoveries
The recent study released by NASA opens up fascinating perspectives on the possibility of life beyond our Solar System.
By identifying 17 exoplanets Capable of harboring oceans of liquid water beneath thick layers of ice, researchers highlight the importance of this element for the development of life forms.
The analysis also reveals the potential activity of tidally driven cryovolcanism and exosphere formation on these worlds, opening a new window into understanding geological processes in extreme environments.
The innovative approach suggests that, even in cold and distant regions, exoplanets may have internally warm oceans beneath ice sheets.
Thus, these stars challenge the traditional boundaries of the “habitable zone” and expand our understanding of scenarios suitable for the existence of life.
The researchers also recommend NASA building a large space telescope to obtain high-contrast images, allowing for a more detailed analysis of each of the identified planets.
The focus of the investigations will be on the search for biosignatures and other data that can confirm the possibility of life beyond Earth, increasing our understanding of the diversity of the universe and the conditions necessary for the existence of life.
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