Washington, Jan 6 (IANS): A new research finds that oceans on super-Earths can last for billions of years. <\/p>\n
Super-Earths are planets up to five times the mass, or 1.5 times the size of Earth. <\/p>\n
When scientists consider whether a planet is in the habitable zone, they think about its distance from the Sun and its resultant surface temperature. <\/p>\n
\"However, they should also think about oceans, and look at super-Earths to find a good sailing or surfing destination,\" said lead author Laura Schaefer from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). <\/p>\n
Earth maintains its oceans through planet-wide recycling. <\/p>\n
Schaefer used computer simulations to see if this recycling process was applicable to super-Earths. <\/p>\n
She found that planets two to four times the mass of Earth are even better at establishing and maintaining oceans than our Earth. The oceans of super-Earths would persist for at least 10 billion years. <\/p>\n
\"This suggests that if you want to look for life, you should look at older super-Earths,\" Schaefer added. <\/p>\n
Schaefer presented her findings at a press conference at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society Monday. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Oceans can last forever on super-Earths<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Washington, Jan 6 (IANS): A new research finds that oceans on super-Earths can last for billions of years. Super-Earths are planets up to five times the mass, or 1.5 times the size of Earth. When scientists consider whether a planet is in the habitable zone, they think about its distance from the Sun and its resultant surface temperature. Continue reading