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Scientists Discover a Major Flaw in How We Search for Life on Other Planets
- A University of Washington study finds many rocky, Earth-sized planets may require substantial water to stay habitable over geologic timescales.
- Too little water could disable the planetary thermostat, causing carbon dioxide to accumulate and heat the climate.
- The study uses climate models of the geologic carbon cycle to explain how a planet’s water inventory influences habitability.
- Venus is highlighted as a nearby example showing how small differences in water could alter planetary outcomes.
- The authors suggest upcoming missions to Venus could test ideas about planetary climate evolution and habitability.
- The paper adds that many exoplanets in habitable zones might still fail to sustain life-supporting water levels.
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