Astronomers now understand that water-rich planets can form internally, even close to stars. A new study reveals that high-pressure reactions between hydrogen and molten rock within sub-Neptunes generate vast amounts of water. This discovery challenges previous notions of planetary formation and habitability, suggesting that ‘dry’ planets can indeed become ‘wet’ worlds through internal processes.
Hydrogen can make water on alien worlds: A study just rewrote how planets form oceans
