How do they know? Computer modeling.
“It shows us that conditions on some exoplanets with favourable ocean circulation patterns could be better suited to support life that is more abundant or more active than life on Earth.”…
We know that salty oceans are likely out there, beyond the Solar System. In addition to Earth, we know Mars was once rather watery, for instance. And there are the moons, too – Europa, Enceladus, Callisto and Ganymede number among the large moons in the Solar System that appear to have liquid oceans.
These nearby worlds don’t meet the criteria laid out by the research, though. Mars is dry and has a thin whisper of an atmosphere, and the moons listed have barely-there atmospheres as well; we’re also currently unsure of their continental status.
But there are a lot more exoplanets out there in the galaxy than there are moons in the Solar System.
Michelle Starr, “Study: There May Be Exoplanets Out There Even Better Suited For Life Than Earth” at ScienceAlert
The research would sound more meaningful if a single extraterrestrial life form of any sort had ever been found.
Hat tip: Futurism
See also: Rob Sheldon: Don’t Give Up All ET Hope Due To Recent Exoplanet Disappointment
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