How Giant Planets Could Create a Deadly Pall on the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
A new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge has found that giant planets could be the death of life in their star systems. The team studied how hot Jupiters—giant planets that orbit close to their host star—can disrupt the biodiversity of their star systems. They concluded that the extreme temperatures and radiation from these planets could lead to the destruction of any life that may exist.
The researchers used computer simulations to model the effects of a hot Jupiter on the planetary system. They found that the temperature and radiation from the gas giant could be too extreme for any life to survive in the star system. Additionally, the powerful gravitational pull of the planet could disrupt the orbits of other planets, leading to further disruption of biodiversity.
The findings suggest that any star systems with a hot Jupiter may never be able to sustain life, due to the extreme conditions created by the giant planet. This means that billions of stars in our galaxy could be devoid of any form of life due to the presence of a single gas giant.
source: Phys.org