CO Runaway Gap Can Help Identify Earth Like Exoplanets
Newly Discovered Carbon Monoxide-Runaway Gap Can Help Identify Habitable Exoplanets
Tags: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, Science & Exploration, Computing Technology
Researchers at Tokyo Tech have identified a carbon monoxide (CO)-runaway gap in the atmospheres of Earth-like planets, a potential indicator of CO-rich environments that may support the formation of prebiotic compounds crucial for life. This discovery, made through atmospheric modeling, suggests that planets with such a CO runaway could be promising candidates in the search for habitable exoplanets. The CO-rich atmosphere is thought to be more conducive to the formation of complex organic molecules compared to CO2-rich atmospheres. This phenomenon is particularly significant for planets orbiting sun-like stars, expanding the scope of habitable planet search. The study highlights the importance of atmospheric composition in determining the potential for life on other planets.
IP Type or Form Factor: Discovery & Research; Software & Algorithm
TRL: 1 - basic research with defined needs
Industry or Tech Area: Space & Satellites; Big Data Analytics & Simulations
