The composition of the gas atmosphere of exoplanet TOI-270 d has been analyzed, but opinions differ on what it implies for its surface. Chemical compounds detected by the James Webb Space Telescope suggest the presence of water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide. However, there is disagreement among scientists about whether this planet’s surface can sustain liquid water based on its temperature and pressure.
A group of astronomers from Cantabrigian University believe that the chemical makeup of the planet’s atmosphere indicates an ocean covering its entire surface. They interpret that if temperatures could reach over a hundred degrees Celsius due to ammonia’s absence, then it could be an ocean.
On the other hand, a team of Canadian astronomers have a different interpretation: they believe that TOI-270 d is too hot for liquid water to exist on its surface, with temperatures reaching up to 4,000 degrees Celsius. Instead, they propose that it has a very dense hydrogen and water vapor atmosphere.
Despite being locked in orbit and experiencing extreme temperature variations between day and night due to tidal locking effects, some scientists believe life may still exist in TOI-270 d’s borderlands between light and dark regions. Further research and observations are required to determine if this intriguing world can support life or not.