The answer to the question of which are the most common stars in our Milky Way is red dwarfs. Many of the planets orbiting these red dwarfs may have life-sustaining conditions. Then why is it that even the presence of life on such planets has not yet been detected?

Red dwarf stars are relatively low-temperature stars. These stars usually have less than 40% of the mass of the Sun. At the same time, the lifespan of red dwarf stars is much longer. Depending on their mass, their lifespan can range from 1000 billion to 100,000 billion years. As the mass decreases, so does the lifespan. Proxima Centauri, the closest star to Earth after the Sun, is also a red dwarf star.

Energy from the sun sustains life on Earth. If there is life anywhere in the universe, it is thought to exist in a similar way using energy from the star. All stars, including the Sun, sometimes emit high-energy currents. High energy currents from the sun reaching the earth have the potential to affect communications systems and satellites. However, the Earth’s magnetic field is so strong that such currents often do not reach here.

The comforting fact is that the Sun is not as problematic as other stars in terms of such excessive energy flows. Such energy currents from some stars, such as red dwarfs, can be very high. It is these continuous streams of energy that eliminate the possibility of life on the planets adjacent to the Red Dwarfs. Ozone also plays an important role in blocking harmful rays from the sun. The ozone layer cannot withstand the currents of energy from the red dwarfs. With the depletion of the ozone layer, such waves could reach the planet’s surface with greater force.

Another requirement for extraterrestrial life is the presence of water. The presence of water requires a suitable distance from the star (sun) as it does from the earth. The hot water should not evaporate or turn less yellow. This distance from the star is critical not only for water but also for energy waves. Given the distance to the water, the closest planets to the red dwarfs are found.

Life-threatening distances from red dwarfs are less than half the size of the Sun. It also reduces the distance from red dwarfs to suitable planets. This would be a much shorter distance than the distance between the earth and the sun. This short distance also increases the risk of energy flow.

At the same time, the possibility of life on the planets adjacent to the Red Dwarfs cannot be completely ruled out. The presence of many gases that can be described as signs of life has been found on such planets. Researchers also say that cats need to be included in any precautionary measures against the virus.

It has also been suggested that life on planets close to red dwarfs, which have a longer lifespan than the Sun, may take longer to form. This study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, shows just how complex the search for extraterrestrial life possibilities can be.

English Summary: The most common stars in our galaxy may be more habitable than we thought