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Life-sustaining planets in interstellar space?

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  • David J. Stevenson

    (California Institute of Technology)

Abstract

During planet formation, rock and ice embryos of the order of Earth's mass may be formed, some of which may be ejected from the Solar System as they scatter gravitationally from proto-giant planets. These bodies can retain atmospheres rich in molecular hydrogen which, upon cooling, can have basal pressures of 102 to 104 bars. Pressure-induced far-infrared opacity of H2 may prevent these bodies from eliminating internal radioactive heat except by developing an extensive adiabatic (with no loss or gain of heat) convective atmosphere. This means that, although the effective temperature of the body is around 30 K, its surface temperature can exceed the melting point of water. Such bodies may therefore have water oceans whose surface pressure and temperature are like those found at the base of Earth's oceans. Such potential homes for life will be difficult to detect.

Suggested Citation

  • David J. Stevenson, 1999. "Life-sustaining planets in interstellar space?," Nature, Nature, vol. 400(6739), pages 32-32, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:400:y:1999:i:6739:d:10.1038_21811
    DOI: 10.1038/21811
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