The new model quickly identifies life outside the solar system

Previously, scientists had difficulties in detecting water vapor in the atmosphere - a sign of extraterrestrial life. But thanks to a new NASA study, this could change.

The new study uses a model to calculate conditions throughout three-dimensional space, allowing scientists to simulate atmospheric circulation and special characteristics of circulation, which model space one afternoon can not do. Research results have shown that there are many places where life can exist. This number is more than we thought.

Water is an essential factor for life. If a planet does not have a warm atmosphere to maintain liquid water for a long time (about billions of years) then life will not be able to evolve and evolve.

If a planet is too far away from its host star, the surface water will freeze; if it is too close, the surface water will evaporate and dissolve into space. The planets discovered with signs of water are giant gas planets and rotate very close to its host star.

' We can detect signs of host star water, but the detection of molecular signatures (including H2O) on temperate planets is extremely difficult. Because the planet's radius and its height are all very small , 'the team said.

To calculate the presence of water on planets outside the solar system, previous studies were forced to depend on one-way models. Because water vapor in the stratosphere will be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen by exposure to ultraviolet rays, so by measuring the percentage of hydrogen being lost, scientists will estimate the amount of water still existing on the surface. .

The search for exoplanets.(Photo: cfa.harvard.edu)

However, expert YukaFujii is currently working at the Goddard Space Research Institute, NASA, Team Leader, explains: "This model is built from uncertain assumptions: such as heat transport and steam across the planet, as well as the effect of clouds ".

To overcome these drawbacks, the research team used three-dimensional common circulation model (GCMs). The model has a combination of atmospheric circulation and climate complexity.

First, the team experimented with a planet with an Earth-like atmosphere and completely covered by oceans. This allowed the group to clearly see the distance of the stars affecting the conditions on the planet's surface.

Scientists say the star's distance and radiation affect the amount of water vapor in the stratosphere. Fujiii said: 'We discovered a new process to control the life of extraterrestrial planets. From here, we will find many potential candidates for people to live in the future. '

In the near future, the team plans to evaluate the fluctuations of properties on the planet - such as gravity, size, atmospheric composition, and surface pressure. These factors can affect the circulation and circulation ability of the water.

The three-dimensional model also allows astronomers to identify planets that can live longer distances, with greater accuracy.

' By knowing the temperature of the star, we can predict the sign of water in distant planets. Technology will push the limit further: a small amount of steam somewhere cannot escape our observation , 'said researcher Anthony Del Genio.

The new study also benefits many hunters of planets outside the solar system, hoping to find planets that can live around M-type stars (mostly red dwarfs). M-type stars are low mass, super cool, and most common in the universe (accounting for about 75% of all stars in the Milky Way).

Previously, there were many doubts about the ability of M-type stars to reside. Some astronomers believe that red dwarfs are going through many burning processes and that they can make planets separated from its atmosphere. They include 7 planets belonging to the TRAPPIST-1 system (3 of them are habitable areas) and the nearest extrasolar planet - Proxima b.

Research with a new three-dimensional model has smashed the argument, because the results show signs of life on these planets.