Life could be supported by more planets according to new computer models

Scientists believe that new computer models can help in identifying more planets that can host life...

12:52 13 September 2012

Recent research, conducted by scientists from the University of Aberdeen, revealed that new computer models can be used to prove there are more habitable planets than previously thought.

 

These computer models are believed to have the capability to identify specific planets, which contained underground water that is still in the state of liquid through planetary heat. 

 

Sean McMahon of the University of Aberdeen's School of Geosciences told The Independent: "Life as we know it requires liquid water. Traditionally, planets have been considered habitable if they are in the Goldilocks zone."

 

He added: "They need to be not too close to their sun but also not too far away for liquid water to persist, rather than boiling or freezing, on the surface. However, we now know that many micro-organisms reside deep in the rocky crust of the planet, not on the surface.There will be several times more [habitable] planets." 

 

McMahon confirmed they are in the process of developing and designing new computer models to help them calculate possible “Goldilocks zones” for underground water, and perhaps identify additional planets that can host life.