Earth’s magnetic field is vital for life. It deflects solar wind and protects the planet’s atmosphere, according to European Space Agency. The field is generated in Earth’s core and emanates outwards.
Using computer simulations to replicate planets in the habitable zones of low-mass stars, Univ. of Washington researchers found tidally locked Earth-like planets may possess protective magnetic fields, helpful in creating surface conditions conducive to life.
“Tidally locked” refers to celestial objects that orbit with one side continuously facing a single direction, like the moon when it orbits Earth. Low-mass stars are abundant in the Earth’s stellar neighborhood, but planets orbiting low-mass stars must be relatively close to occupy the habitable zone. According to Space.com, the habitable zone for such stars often overlaps with the region where planets become tidally locked.
“Strong heating of a planet at a single point can change or even control how much weathering occurs on the planet, which can lead to significant and even unstable climate changes,” according to Space.com. “These dramatic climate effects could make planets that otherwise have the potential for life to instead be uninhabitable.”
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