A chemical ‘Goldilocks zone’ may limit which planets can host life
SMRTR summary
Scientists discovered that planets need a precise "chemical Goldilocks zone" of oxygen levels to retain essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in their mantles, where life can access them. Computer simulations of tens of thousands of exoplanets revealed that fewer than 1 in 10 had Earth-like abundances of these elements, as incorrect oxygen levels cause nutrients to either bind with iron and sink into inaccessible planetary cores or remain unavailable. This narrow chemical balance requirement may explain why extraterrestrial life remains elusive despite over 6,000 confirmed exoplanets.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Science News.
Read the original article