NASA revealed that Ceres may have had conditions that could have supported life billions of years ago. Recent studies show evidence of hot water sources and essential gases that were maintained within its interior.
This research provides new evidence about the early habitability of celestial bodies other than Mars or Jupiter. It reinforces the idea that dwarf planets can also offer environments conducive to life.
Research confirming potential habitability
The study, led by Sam Courville and published on August 20, used chemical and thermal models that simulate the internal evolution of Ceres over millions of years. The results indicate that its subsurface contained hot water and gases such as methane and carbon dioxide about 3 billion years ago.
