NEW YORK: New research suggests tidal forces and vigorous stellar activity could combine to transform uninhabitable gaseous “mini-Neptunes” into potentially-habitable gas-free planets, the University of Washington reported.
The majority of the Milky Way galaxy is comprised of Class M dwarf stars, writes Tech Times.
Researchers believe that alien life is most likely to form on planets orbiting at distances from their stars where liquid water is able to form on their surfaces.This is called the habitable zone – or Goldilocks zone – around an alien star.
Exoplanets circling around class M dwarfs need to orbit close to their stars in order to receive enough warmth for liquid water to be present on the surface of the world, writes Tech Times.
According to research Neptune-like planets could form with thick atmospheres – relatively far from their parent star – but eventually succumb to the forces of their sun, driven by tidal forces.
“They are initially freezing cold, inhospitable worlds. But planets need not always remain in place. Alongside other processes, tidal forces can induce inward planet migration,” Rodrigo Luger from the University of Washington said.
Researchers believe that as these planets move closer to their parent star, powerful streams of solar radiation can push away the thick gases, leaving behind a “habitable evaporated cores.”
Tidal forces are also felt on Earth, as gravitation from both the Sun and Moon raised both land and sea levels.
“Luckily, on Earth it’s really only the water in the oceans that gets distorted, and only by a few feet.
“But close-in planets, like those in the habitable zones of M dwarfs, experience much stronger tidal forces,” Luger said.Strong tidal forces such as these result in flexing of the bodies involved.
The leads to the bodies resembling an egg-like shape, with the oval shaped ends facing one another.
The process creates friction – leading to heat that can warm the planet, according to the study.
Tidal forces can also lead to increased volcanism – resulting in the release of vast quantities core material into the atmosphere of these alien worlds.
