Exploring Ocean Worlds: A Breakthrough Study on Habitability in Our Solar System and Beyond

In a recent publication, researchers in planetary science from Texas A&M University and the University of Washington present a novel thermodynamic concept termed the centotectic, examining the stability of liquids under extreme conditions — essential data for assessing the potential for life on icy moons and oceanic exoplanets.

The investigation of icy oceanic worlds marks a new frontier in planetary study, concentrating on the likelihood of these environments being able to sustain life.

The recent research addresses a key inquiry in this domain: under what circumstances can liquid water persist on these distant, frozen celestial bodies?

By defining and measuring the cenotectic, the absolute minimum temperature at which a liquid remains stable across different pressures and concentrations, the researchers establish a vital framework for interpreting data from planetary exploration missions.

The study merges their knowledge in cryobiology with expertise in planetary science and high-pressure water-ice systems.

They collaboratively constructed a framework that connects various disciplines to address one of the most intriguing challenges in planetary science.

“With the initiation of NASA’s Europa Clipper, the most substantial planetary exploration mission ever launched, we are entering a multi-decade period of exploration of frigid and icy ocean worlds,” stated Dr. Baptiste Journaux, a planetary researcher at the University of Washington.

“Data from this and other missions will reveal the depth of the ocean and its composition.”

“Lab measurements concerning liquid stability, especially the minimum possible temperature (the newly defined cenotectic), alongside mission results, will enable us to fully assess the habitability of the cold and deep oceans in our Solar System and what their eventual fate will be once the moons or planets have completely cooled.”

“The exploration of icy worlds is a significant priority for both NASA and ESA, as demonstrated by the flurry of recent and forthcoming spacecraft launches,” remarked Dr. Matt Powell-Palm, a planetary scientist at Texas A&M University.

“We anticipate that Texas A&M will play a pivotal role in providing intellectual guidance in this area.”

The study was published on December 18, 2024, in the journal Nature Communications.

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A. Zarriz et al. 2024. On the equilibrium limit of liquid stability in pressurized aqueous systems. Nat Commun 15; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-54625-z