In the context of tidally locked planets orbiting M-dwarfs within the HZ, what could allow life to thrive around the terminator line?
Answer
A sufficiently thick atmosphere could circulate heat from the perpetual dayside to the nightside.
Even if tidally locked, a thick atmosphere can distribute heat absorbed on the dayside around the planet, potentially creating a stable temperate band around the twilight line (terminator) where liquid water could persist.
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