The study established that during a type II supernova explosion, a star loses a substantial amount of mass, causing planets that were previously in its orbit to become "rogue planets," wandering through interstellar space. However, the moons of these planets, according to the simulations, remain in their orbit and continue to revolve around them.
It was found that the orbits of such moons become slightly elongated, causing tidal heating—an effect similar to that which sustains subsurface oceans on celestial bodies like Europa and Enceladus. This heating could allow for the preservation of liquid water beneath the surface even in the absence of sunlight.
According to the researchers' calculations, between 12% and 15% of the moons of "rogue planets" may have conditions suitable for the emergence of life. Their subsurface oceans could contain warm waters and hydrothermal vents, creating an environment akin to early Earth.
Moreover, experts emphasize that there may be significantly more of these hidden warm worlds in our galaxy than there are planets orbiting stars.
Previously, another international group of astronomers rethought the concept of sub-Neptunes—planets with a mass greater than Earth's but less than Neptune's. New research models revealed that many of these planets may not have molten magma oceans, as was previously thought.
