Ice planet

Ganymede, the largest known solid icy body in the Solar System

An ice planet or icy planet is a type of planet with an icy surface of volatiles such as water, ammonia, and methane. Ice planets consist of a global cryosphere.

Under a geophysical definition of planet, the small icy worlds of the Solar System qualify as icy planets. These include most of the planetary-mass moons, such as Ganymede, Titan, Europa, Enceladus, and Triton; dwarf planets Pluto, Orcus, Haumea, Makemake, Quaoar, Sedna, Gonggong, and Eris; and the largest comets. In June 2020, NASA scientists reported that it is likely that exoplanets with oceans, including some with oceans that may lie beneath a layer of surface ice, may be common in the Milky Way galaxy, based on mathematical modeling studies.[1][2] OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb, first observed in 2005, is a possible ice planet.

  1. ^ NASA (18 June 2020). "Are planets with oceans common in the galaxy? It's likely, NASA scientists find". EurekAlert!. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  2. ^ Shekhtman, Lonnie; et al. (18 June 2020). "Are Planets with Oceans Common in the Galaxy? It's Likely, NASA Scientists Find". NASA. Retrieved 20 June 2020.

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