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Space
Space
Science
Paul Sutter

'Hycean' exoplanets may not be able to support life after all

Artist's illustration of the view from the seas of a potentially habitable "Hycean" exoplanet.

In 2021, astronomers proposed a new class of exoplanets that contain hydrogen-rich atmospheres and support vast liquid-water oceans, making these hypothetical worlds potential candidates in the search for alien life. 

However, new research suggests that these "Hycean" planets would suffer from a catastrophic runaway greenhouse effect, thus limiting their potential for habitability.

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