Scientists Identify New Class of Ocean-Covered Planets That Could Soon Yield Signs of Life

Scientists have identified a new class of exoplanets with large oceans and hydrogen-rich atmospheres, dubbed "Hycean" planets, that could support life outside Earth's solar system, according to a new study published on Wednesday in The Astrophysical Journal.Conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the study suggests that focusing on Hycean planets -- many of which are up to 2.6 times larger than Earth and reach temperatures up to almost 200 degrees Celsius -- could accelerate mis...