February 15, 2019

Supernovae and water in rocky planets

An article published in the journal “Nature Astronomy” reports the results of a series of computer simulations conducted to better understand the mechanisms of rocky planets formation. A team of researchers concluded that there are probably two types of planetary systems: those similar to the solar system, with planets containing relatively little water, and those in which there are above all the so-called ocean planets or waterworlds. The difference may have been caused by the presence of a massive star nearby that ejected radioactive materials that have at least partially dried out the planets. This might have led to the emergence of a temperate climate on Earth.