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Explore the fascinating realm of "steam worlds" in this 35-minute livestream episode that delves into exotic exoplanets wrapped in thick water vapor and boiling at thousands of degrees. Discover how these water-rich sub-Neptunes, while far from habitable, are revolutionizing scientific understanding of planetary formation, water behavior under extreme conditions, and the potential locations for life in the universe. Learn about cutting-edge research from the University of California, Santa Cruz, that models the interiors and atmospheres of these unique celestial bodies, and understand how data from the James Webb Space Telescope is revealing steam signatures on distant planets. Examine what defines a steam world and how these planets form, investigate how water behaves under crushing pressure and searing heat, and analyze why JWST's new observations are transforming exoplanet research. Gain insights into what these groundbreaking discoveries mean for the future search for life beyond Earth, as host Beth Johnson interviews researcher Artem Aguichine about his pioneering work in this emerging field of astrobiology and exoplanet science.
