Is there some liquid planets out there?

In summary, the conversation discusses the existence of liquid planets and the laws that prevent their formation. It is mentioned that most planetary systems are formed from gas clouds, making giant planets primarily composed of hydrogen. Although Jupiter's composition is dominated by liquid hydrogen due to extreme pressure, it is rare to find liquid water on planets outside of a star's habitable zone. However, there are potential candidates within our own solar system, such as Europa and Triton, which are believed to have vast oceans of liquid water beneath their frozen surfaces. The conversation also briefly touches on the concept of liquid rock and the early formation of Earth as a "liquid" planet. The speaker expresses interest in studying gaseous planets further in order to reformulate their question.
  • #1
MadAtom
37
0
Is there some liquid planets out there?

well there are gaseous planets... what are the laws that avoid the existence of a giant liquid planet with a little rocky nucleus?
 
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  • #2


As far as we know, most planetary systems form from gas clouds that are composed mostly of Hydrogen. So giant planets are far more likely to get as massive as they are by absorbing large amounts of hydrogen and not other materials, which are far more rare.

However, consider the fact that Jupiter's composition is dominated by LIQUID hydrogen thanks to the enormous pressure inside it. So the answer to your question may depend on what you consider to be a "liquid planet".
 
  • #3
The trouble with liquid water is we are unlikely to find it on planets outside of a stars habitable zone, and few such candidates are known to exist thus far. But, we need not leave the solar system to find extraterrestrial water. Europa and Triton, satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, are suspected to possesses vast oceans of liquid water underneath their frozen surfaces - see http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/scitech/display.cfm?ST_ID=286 for discussion.e
 
  • #4


Does liquid rock count? :smile:

Go back in time to the early days of its formation and Earth was a 'liquid' planet, for suitable values of 'liquid'.
 
  • #5


I think I'm going to study more about gaseous planets then I'll reformulate my question... thank you all.
 

1. What is a liquid planet?

A liquid planet is a type of planet that has a significant amount of liquid on its surface instead of solid land. This liquid could be water, lava, or other types of liquids.

2. How do we know if a planet has liquid on its surface?

Scientists can determine the presence of liquid on a planet's surface through various methods, such as observing the planet's size, composition, and distance from its star. They can also use telescopes and other instruments to detect the presence of water vapor or other liquids in a planet's atmosphere.

3. Are there any liquid planets in our solar system?

Yes, our solar system has several liquid planets, including Earth, which has large bodies of water on its surface, and Saturn's moon Titan, which has lakes and seas of liquid methane and ethane.

4. How common are liquid planets in the universe?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of liquid planets in the universe as it depends on various factors, such as the planet's distance from its star and its composition. However, recent studies suggest that liquid planets may be more common than previously thought, and there could be billions of them in our galaxy alone.

5. Could there be life on a liquid planet?

It is possible for life to exist on a liquid planet, especially if the liquid is water. Water is essential for life as we know it, and many scientists believe that liquid water is necessary for a planet to support living organisms. However, other factors such as temperature, atmosphere, and the presence of other necessary elements also play a crucial role in determining a planet's potential for life.

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