The Planetary Science Journal

An image of Venus taken by NASA's Mariner 10 spacecraft, alongside an illustration of three possible atmospheres for the planet Gliese 12b. The new study examines how much water a rocky planet needs to maintain conditions suitable for life. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC)

Study: Planets that are too dry may be less suitable for life than previously thought

  • No comments
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that a rocky planet similar in size to Earth would need at least 20% to 50% of the water in Earth's oceans to sustain a carbon cycle over time.
Science website logo
SEARCH