U-M is leading the new Targeted Simons Research Group on Organic Rich Exoplanets
WHAT'S THE STUDY: The research team will study a range of planets beyond our solar system, from rocky planets similar in size to Earth to planets that are several times larger, but smaller than Neptune. These worlds are called sub-Neptunes and are the most abundant type of planet in the galaxy. One popular theory suggests that they contain large amounts of water and are often referred to as "water worlds." But, according to the new team's recent research, the field is overlooking the presence of a key ingredient: organic, or hydrocarbon-rich, carbon compounds. Furthermore, the team's current work shows that organic carbon is also an important consideration even for Earth-like worlds, which are rich in silicate and not carbon. Supported by the Simons Foundation, the group is pioneering the theoretical and experimental tools needed to make testable predictions of the origin, evolution, observable features and potential habitability of this new class of hydrocarbon-rich planets.
WHY IT MATTERS: Despite the known importance of carbon on our planet, the element is relatively understudied in connection to the habitability of planets outside of our solar system. This project will work to fill that gap with a group of experts in theory, observing, modeling and experiments from a variety of fields. Their goal is to deepen our understanding of where and how life can take root, both on Earth and across the cosmos.
HOW MUCH AND FOR HOW LONG: The $1.5 million collaboration is funded for three years.
WHO'S INVOLVED:
Edwin "Ted" Bergin, professor of astronomy at the University of Michigan, is director of the new research group. He studies and models the composition of forming planets with a goal to use the presence/absence of carbon to trace the molecular origins of life.
"This new Targeted Simons Research Group will pioneer new understanding of the spectrum of potential worlds that can foster life in the universe and provide greater understanding of how worlds like our own are formed," Bergin said.
Jie "Jackie" Li, the Rodney C. Ewing Collegiate professor of earth and planetary sciences in the U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, is a co-principal investigator of the new research group. Her expertise lies in cutting-edge high-pressure experiments that will be critical to understanding the internal structures and compositions of the planets and their impacts on the surface and atmospheric conditions.
"We are excited to explore this new paradigm of organic-rich exoplanets. By developing novel experimental tools to understand how hydrocarbons influence planetary differentiation under extreme conditions, we can help address where and how habitable environments might arise, with implications for the ultimate question of the origin of life," Li said.
"This grant comes at a perfect time, as the Center for Habitable Planetary Systems just launched in July 2025 to bring together expertise across disciplines to advance our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. CHPS provides seed funds for small-scale projects through support from the departments of Astronomy, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, and the colleges of LSA and Engineering at U-M."
The team also includes Eliza Kempton and Fred Ciesla, both professors at the University of Chicago; Marc Hirschmann, a professor at the University of Minnesota; Geoffrey Blake, a professor at the California Institute of Technology; and Diana Valencia, an associate professor at the University of Toronto.
