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The James Webb Telescope discovers a planet that could be covered in water
In a solar system other than ours, NASA's James Webb Telescope was able to observe a planet Which would provide encouraging characteristics for the search for extraterrestrial life. In its atmosphere, scientists from the University of Cambridge were able to detect water vapor and the chemical signatures of methane and carbon dioxide.
These clues show that this planet, located approximately 70 light-years from our Earth, could be a Hessian planet. In other words, its surface will consist of a deep water ocean and will have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. However, researchers doubt that it meets all the conditions necessary to support life. “Ocean temperatures can exceed 100°C or more“, explains Professor Niku Madhusudan from the University of Cambridge.
However, Canadian researchers do not completely agree with the English researchers' hypothesis. “In our opinion, the temperature is too high for water to become liquid“Based on the excess amount of water vapor, the professor believes that the temperature on this planet could reach 4,000 degrees Celsius. A temperature that would lead to a supercritical state for water, which could appear,” says Professor Björn Beneke, from the University of Montreal.Almost like a thick, warm liquid“.
Opinions therefore vary given the early state of the research, which will need to go deeper to determine whether life is possible on this planet.
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