On Jan 23, 8:02 am, Yousuf Khan wrote:
Water Planets
"CfA astronomer Dimitar Sasselov, together with two of his colleagues,
have begun the pioneering task of modeling the interiors of
super-earths. They address in particular the class of objects rich in
water. They define a "water planet" as any super-earth whose mass is
more than 10% water, whose core is made of silicates or metals, and
whose surface layer is lacking in significant amounts of gas. They model
nine possible water planets with a range of masses and water contents
(up to 50%), and study the near-surface layer for icy or ocean-like
properties. "http://www.physorg.com/news183389336.html

They probably know that sustainable life for the human species is
becoming limited here on Earth, whereas it's just a matter of time
before there's simply no good options for continually sticking it out
(often fighting tooth and nail) here on Earth, especially when there
are better off-world options. Even the planet Venus has impressive
considerations that are being intentionally banished from public
review, not to mention the interior of our moon(Selene) might not be
too depressing.

~ BG