What is the defining requirement for liquid water in Proxima b's habitable zone location?
Answer
The right atmospheric pressure and composition
While Proxima b's orbital distance places it within the theoretical thermal range for liquid water, maintaining that water depends crucially on the planet's atmosphere. Specifically, the atmosphere must possess the correct pressure and chemical composition. This combination must allow the meager energy received from the cool, close star to maintain surface temperatures in a sweet spot, preventing water from either freezing solid due to insufficient warmth or boiling away entirely due to pressure or temperature fluctuations.
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