To Find Another Earth, We Need to Understand Atmospheric Escape

Atmospheric escape is an important aspect of a planet's evolution. Astronomers want to examine how it affects habitable exoplanets, and if the Habitable Worlds Observatory is built, it could be the tool they need. Image Credit: NASA (edited by Jose-Luis Olivares/MIT)

Atmospheric escape shapes an exoplanet’s future. Earth’s exosphere is extended and detectable due to ocean-related atmospheric escape. If we can detect the same features on an exoplanet, it could suggest oceans and habitability. But we need to build the Habitable Worlds Observatory first.