The research team will study a range of planets beyond our solar system, from rocky planets similar in size to Earth to planets that are several times larger, but smaller than Neptune. These worlds are called sub-Neptunes and are the most abundant type of planet in the galaxy. One popular theory suggests that they contain large amounts of water and are often referred to as “water worlds.” But, according to the new team’s recent research, the field is overlooking the presence of a key ingredient: organic, or hydrocarbon-rich, carbon compounds.
To learn more about the research and the team behind it, continue here.
