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Planetary scientists have explored a hypothetical scenario in which a super-Earth existed within our solar system, situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. According to recent simulations conducted by Emily Simpson and Howard Chen, planetary scientists at the Florida Institute of Technology, such a planetary configuration could have drastically destabilised the climates and orbits of neighbouring planets, including Earth.

Gravitational Instability and Climate Disruption

The findings, as per a Space.com report, highlight that super-Earths, which are commonly observed in exoplanetary systems, are notably absent from our solar system. These planets, larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, are a frequent occurrence in the Milky Way. The researchers simulated various iterations of a super-Earth within our solar system to assess its gravitational effects on inner rocky planets like Earth, Venus, and Mars.

The study is said to have revealed that the presence of a super-Earth, particularly one with a mass ranging from 10 to 20 times that of Earth, would have caused significant disruptions. Chen stated in his interview with Space.com that the gravitational pull of such a planet could push smaller rocky planets into eccentric orbits or tilt their trajectories. These unstable orbits would lead to extreme climatic conditions, including erratic transitions between ice ages and periods of intense warming.

Chen told the publication that while the configuration we observe in our solar system is uncommon, the presence of a super-Earth in this region could have made Earth’s orbit highly unstable, jeopardising its habitability.

Implications for Life in Exoplanetary Systems

The findings suggest that even planets located in the habitable zones of other star systems may face significant challenges to sustaining life if they share their region with massive super-Earths. The instability introduced by such neighbours could hinder the evolutionary processes that require relative climatic stability.

While a slightly larger planet near Mars might lead to harsher seasonal variations on Earth, conditions for life could still persist. However, the researchers emphasised that the absence of a super-Earth near Mars and Jupiter may have been critical in enabling Earth’s current hospitable environment.

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Devil Comet’s Water Matches Earth, Strengthening Theory of Cosmic Origins

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Astronomers discovered that the water in Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, known as the “Devil Comet,” is nearly identical to Earth’s. Using ALMA and IRTF data, they mapped cometary water for the first time. The findings bolster the theory that comets delivered water to Earth, enabling life’s emergence.

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Single Quantum Device Measures Amperes, Volts, and Ohms in New Discovery

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Scientists at NIST have developed a quantum device that measures amperes, volts, and ohms within a single system for the first time. Reported in Nature Electronics, the breakthrough uses two integrated quantum standards to achieve unmatched accuracy. The innovation could transform electrical measurements across research, technology, and diagnostics by simplifying proc…

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Chinese Astronauts Strengthen Tiangong’s Defenses Against Space Debris

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On Aug. 15, Chinese astronauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie completed a 6.5-hour spacewalk to strengthen the Tiangong space station’s defenses against orbital debris. Working outside the station, they installed new protective panels and inspected external systems. The mission marked Chen Dong’s sixth career EVA—the most by a Chinese astronaut—and the third for Shenz…

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