Why do low-mass worlds struggle to maintain habitability regarding atmospheric retention?

Answer

Their gravity is insufficient to retain an atmosphere against solar winds and collisions.

Low-mass worlds have gravity too weak to hold onto an atmosphere effectively. Gas molecules can escape when agitated by solar winds or impacts, leading to poor insulation and insufficient atmospheric pressure.

Why do low-mass worlds struggle to maintain habitability regarding atmospheric retention?

#Videos

Planet Earth - What Makes It Habitable? - YouTube

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