Beyond the habitable zone: Exoplanet atmospheres are the next clue to finding life on planets orbiting distant stars

By: Morgan Underwood, Rice University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 19, 2025

Words: 1,320

Last Updated: 5 days, 18 hours ago

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By Morgan Underwood, Rice University

When astronomers search for planets that could host liquid water on their surface, they start by looking at a star’s habitable zone. Water is a key ingredient for life, and on a planet too close to its star, water on its surface may “boil”; too far, and it could freeze. This zone marks the region in between.

But being in this sweet spot doesn’t automatically mean a …

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