Exploring the Mysteries of Water Worlds and Their Origins
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Water Worlds
Recent discoveries have unveiled the existence of water worlds, exoplanets enveloped by vast oceans that may differ significantly from the water we are familiar with. Astronomers have identified these extraordinary planets, which can have oceans reaching depths of up to 2,000 kilometers!
These planets orbit a red dwarf star within the Lyra constellation and have piqued the interest of researchers. Initially categorized as super-Earths, which are larger rocky planets, the Kepler-138 system has revealed itself to be much more unique than previously thought.
Section 1.1: The Discovery of Kepler-138
The two planets, Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d, were first detected by the Kepler telescope in 2014, located 218 light years away. At that time, they were assumed to be similar to Earth, albeit 1.5 times its size.
“They were believed to be large bodies of rock and metal. However, more precise measurements indicated a different composition,” explains Professor Björn Benneke from the Université de Montréal.
A research team led by doctoral candidate Caroline Piaulet utilized various instruments, including the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes, to analyze the Kepler-138 system. Their findings suggested that much of these celestial bodies consists of materials that are less dense than rock but denser than gas, with the conclusion pointing to water.
“This marks the first time we can confidently classify exoplanets as water worlds,” states Professor Benneke.
Section 1.2: The Nature of Water on These Planets
Historically, the leading candidate for a water world was GJ 1214 b, discovered in 2009. However, it is suggested that this planet may have limited liquid water. According to Michael Summers and James Trefil in their book "Imagined Life," GJ 1214 b's oceans could extend to depths of approximately 150 kilometers.
In contrast, the water depths on Kepler-138's planets can be staggering, reaching up to 2,000 kilometers!
The water on these planets is not entirely in its familiar form. "The atmospheric temperatures likely exceed water’s boiling point, saturating the environment with dense water vapor. Below this layer lies liquid water under immense pressure, potentially in a supercritical state," explains Caroline Piaulet. This state blurs the lines between liquid and gas.
The first video, titled "Two Exoplanets May Be Water Worlds," delves deeper into the characteristics of these fascinating planets, exploring their unique environments and the implications for our understanding of water in the universe.
Section 1.3: Ice Forms on Water Worlds
The extreme pressures in the depths of these oceanic planets may create unique forms of ice. On GJ 1214 b, this ice is identified as ice VI, which can melt at higher temperatures. However, on Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d, the conditions are so intense that ice X (often called black ice) forms, which remains solid under such pressures.
Section 1.4: The Potential for Life
The possibility of life emerging on these oceanic planets is a topic of interest. Summers and Trefil suggest that the upper ocean layers might host ecosystems akin to Earth’s marine environments, potentially leading to the evolution of organisms similar to our own phytoplankton and fish.
In contrast, Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d may not support life due to their dense water vapor atmospheres trapping sunlight necessary for photosynthesis, and the presence of black ice preventing hydrothermal vent formation.
The second video, "Where Earth's Water Originally Comes From | Naked Science | Spark," provides insights into the origins of water on Earth and its potential connections to extraterrestrial water worlds.
Chapter 2: Conclusion
As we continue to explore these water worlds, we are left with more questions than answers regarding the potential for life beyond Earth. Each discovery opens new avenues for understanding our universe and the conditions that may foster life in its most unexpected forms.
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