Exploring Super Mercurys: Possibility of Life and Sustainable Plate Tectonics

[KTevolved]

So we know there are super Earths, but what about super mercurys? These planets would be about Earth sized maybe bigger with large dense iron cores. So could these super mercurys support life, have thick dense atmospheres and generate sustainable plate tectonics? I've always wondered about this ever since we discovered super Earths.

 

[mfb]

I do not think knowledge about super Earth's is good enough to distinguish between "similar to Earth but larger" and "similar to mercury but larger". As far as I know, everything rocky and larger than Earth is called "super earth".

 

[LURCH]

So we know there are super Earths, but what about super mercurys? These planets would be about Earth sized maybe bigger with large dense iron cores.

By this definition, wouldn't Earth be a super mercury?

 

[Brainiac2]

If we use orbital-distance-from-star criteria, then we certainly have discovered extra-solar planets that are much closer to their suns than Mercury is to ours. So in that distance sense, they might be viewed as super-Mercuries. But if we include density in the criteria, then we will have fewer choices in what we call a super Mercury. I'm not sure if they have found one with Mercury's density that close or closer to its star yet.

 

[pmacias]

Thank you for bringing up this interesting topic. I find the concept of super Mercurys fascinating and worth exploring further. The possibility of these planets having Earth-like qualities, such as a thick atmosphere and sustainable plate tectonics, raises the question of whether they could potentially support life.

One important factor to consider is the distance of these super Mercurys from their respective stars. Being closer to their stars would mean higher temperatures, potentially leading to a runaway greenhouse effect and making it difficult for life to thrive. On the other hand, being further away could result in extremely cold conditions, making it challenging for any form of life to survive.

Another crucial aspect to examine is the composition of these super Mercurys. The large, dense iron cores may indicate a lack of water on the surface, which is essential for sustaining life as we know it. However, it is worth noting that there are organisms on Earth that can survive in extreme conditions, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which also have high concentrations of iron.

Regarding the potential for sustainable plate tectonics, it is possible that the large iron cores could generate enough heat to drive tectonic activity. However, this would also depend on the planet's size, composition, and distance from its star.

In conclusion, the possibility of life on super Mercurys is uncertain and would require further research and exploration. These planets offer a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of planetary formation and the conditions necessary for life to exist. I look forward to seeing future studies and discoveries in this area.