Hycean planet

A hycean planet (from hydrogen and ocean)[1] zusammensetzt) is a hypothetical type of habitable planet, described as a hot, water covered planet with a hydrogen atmosphere, which could bear life.[2][3] According to researchers, density data imply that both rocky Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes (like K2-18b andd TOI-1231 b)[1][3] can fit this type and it is thus expected that they will be common exoplanets.[2]

Hycean planets could be "considerably larger than what habitable planets were previously thought to be, with radii reaching 2,6 R⊕ (2,3 R⊕) and masses of 10 M⊕ (5 M⊕)”.[2] Moreover, the habitable zone of such planets could be considerably larger than that of "Earth-like planets". The planetary equilibrium temperature can reach 500 K (227 °C; 440 °F) at late M-dwarfs .[2]

Additionally, there could be tidally locked "Dark Hycean" ("habitable only on the permanent nightside") or "Cold Hycean" ("negligible irradiation").[2] Hycean worlds could be soon investigated for biosignatures by terrestrial telescopes and space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, which was launched at the end of 2021.[2][4]

References
  1. Paul Scott Anderson (2021-08-30). "Hycean planets might be habitable ocean worlds". Earth & Sky. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
  2. Habitability and Biosignatures of Hycean Worlds. Vol. 918. 2021-08-21. doi:10.3847/1538-4357/abfd9c.
  3. Nicola Davis (2021-08-30). "'Mini-Neptunes' beyond solar system may soon yield signs of life - Cambridge astronomers identify new hycean class of habitable exoplanets, which could accelerate search for life". The Guardian. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
  4. Staff (2021-08-27). "Alien life could be living on big 'Hycean' exoplanets". BBC News. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
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