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radius measurements, it has a more important
effect in terms of the interior dynamics and
the evolution.
A planet's ability to develop habitable condi-
tions depends critically on its thermal evolution,
which is tied to the dynamics of its interior. At
this point, although there are indications that
massive terrestrial analogs may be at least as
likely as Earth to exhibit plate tectonics, the sub-
ject is not entirely resolved. Solving this puzzle
even just from a theoretical point of view will fur-
ther our knowledge about the interior dynamics
of rocky planets in general, including the Earth's.
However, eventually, it may be possible to ''ob-
serve'' the tectonic regime of a rocky exoplanet by
detecting relevant signatures in its atmosphere.
On the other hand, there is less controversy about
the existence of magnetic fields of rocky super-
Earths. Two studies agree on there being a small
range in masses and ages for the planet to have a
magnetic field.
In summary, exoplanets constitute a new lab-
oratory where ideas developed to explain the
solar system can be tested. Our understanding of
Earth's properties has been a good starting point
to study those of super-Earths, and as we learn
more about these objects we test and refine our
knowledge of Earth's inner working.
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