Do Hycean Worlds Have Smaller Habitable Zones?

Hycean worlds are planets covered in oceans that also have thick hydrogen atmospheres. There are no confirmed Hycean worlds—also called ocean worlds—but many candidates. Even though they're only candidates so far, researchers are curious about their habitability. New research examines the role tidal heating plays in their potential habitability.

Jun 18, 2025 - 18:30

Do Hycean Worlds Have Smaller Habitable Zones?

This illustration shows a Hycean planet orbiting a dim red dwarf. New research shows how tidal heating can affect the habitable zones of these hypothetical planets. Image Credit: NASA, CSA, ESA, J. Olmsted (STScI) / N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University)

Hycean worlds are planets covered in oceans that also have thick hydrogen atmospheres. There are no confirmed Hycean worlds—also called ocean worlds—but many candidates. Even though they're only candidates so far, researchers are curious about their habitability. New research examines the role tidal heating plays in their potential habitability.