Grand Theft Moons: How Giant Planets Might Steal Their Way to Habitability

This study explores how moons around giant exoplanets might form and become habitable, especially due to tidal heating. Simulations show that planets around 2 AU from their stars produce the most promising moons. Some moons may escape the planet’s grip due to stellar gravity, but about 32% could still be habitable, expanding the search for life beyond Earth-like planets.