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The Habitable Zone

The Habitable Zone

By: Aidan Chan
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The Habitable Zone brings you weekly explorations of astrobiology and life in the universe. Join us as we uncover life’s greatest frontier.

© 2025 The Habitable Zone
Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • EP 4: Trapp(ist)ed with an Asteroid, a Soot Planet, and a Gas Giant
    Sep 8 2025

    In this episode, we will be covering four new interesting topics. There's a new rookie gas giant in town, and an asteroid, but watch out! Hold your breathe, some planets may not have air.

    Original Sources:

    Trappist-1b: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2509.02120

    WISPIT 2b: https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/adf7a5

    Soot Planets: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.16781

    Ryugu: https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040111


    At the publishing of this episode, the candidate exoplanet Alpha Centauri Ab has not been confirmed. The theory of "soot" planets has not been confirmed yet either.



    This Episode was Filmed by Aidan Chan and Vriddhi Mittal. Editing by Aidan Chan.

    Contact us at contactthehabitablezone@gmail.com

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    29 mins
  • EP 3: Innerworlds and Otherworlds
    Aug 25 2025

    In this episode, we'll be covering a wide range of topics, from the study of the inside of our own world, to the discovery of new worlds with two stars. Along the way we'll visit Ceres, the sleeper pick of formerly habitable worlds, and take a look into Mellitic Acid, one of the most stable molecules to form protocells. Follow along as we go from beneath our feet to above our skies!

    Original Sources:

    Ceres: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt3283

    A Decade of Global Water Cycle Monitoring: NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission

    TOI-2267: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.14176

    Mellitic Acid: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202501526


    At the publishing of this episode, the candidate planet around Alpha Centauri A discussed in last episode has not been confirmed.

    This Episode was Filmed by Aidan Chan and Vriddhi Mittal. Editing by Aidan Chan.

    Contact us at contactthehabitablezone@gmail.com

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    18 mins
  • EP 2: 4 OH's
    Aug 10 2025

    In this Episode, We'll be covering four incredible discoveries from the past two weeks. Cosmic Rays, New Planets, and Coral Structures on Mars are all on todays itinerary outside of our planet. But thats only three, and there's a fourth OH on the way!

    (Methanetetrol contains four hydroxyl groups (OH))


    Original Sources:

    Cosmic Rays: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1473550425100025

    New Planet: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.03814

    Paposo Image

    Methanetetrol Synthesis: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61561-z


    To Pronounce Methanetetrol (Also known as Orthocarbonic Acid or Carbon Tetrahydroxide): Meth-a-ne-te-trol [mɛθəneɪtɛtrɒl]


    Published Aug 10 2025

    This Episode was Filmed by Aidan Chan and Vriddhi Mittal. Editing by Aidan Chan.

    Contact us at contactthehabitablezone@gmail.com

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    17 mins
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