According to recent research from the University of California, Davis, there is a greater chance than previously thought that the exo-Neptune GJ 436b could have an atmosphere. This exoplanet, located about 33 light-years away from Earth, has been the subject of much speculation since its discovery in 2004. This new research, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, suggests that GJ 436b could have an atmosphere composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, similar to the atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. This could mean that the exoplanet may have a much higher chance of sustaining life than previously thought. The research also indicates that the exoplanet could be rich in carbon and nitrogen molecules, which could indicate the presence of organic molecules necessary for life.

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source: Phys.org