Aspects of an otherwise Earthlike planetβs tilt and orbital dynamics can severely affect its potential habitability β even triggering abrupt βsnowball statesβ where oceans freeze and surface life is impossible, according to new research from 91±¬ΑΟ astronomers.
An atmospheric haze around a faraway planet β like the one which probably shrouded and cooled the young Earth β could show that the world is potentially habitable, or even be a sign of life itself.
A nearby exoplanet has an atmosphere that might be similar to Earth’s before life evolved. In an attempt to simulate the structure of this exoplanet’s atmosphere, 91±¬ΑΟ researchers became the first to simulate three-dimensional exotic clouds on another world.
Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, has a hazy atmosphere and surface rivers, mountains, lakes and sand dunes. But the dunes and prevailing surface winds don’t point in the same direction. New research from 91±¬ΑΟ astronomer Benjamin Charnay may have solved this mystery.