Geology expertise helps scientists find Earth-like planets Shane McGlaun - May 10, 2021, 5:53am CDT University of British Columbia geologist Brendan Dyck has leveraged his expertise in planetary formation to help scientists identify exoplanets that might support life. Astronomers have so far identified more than 4000 exoplanets, with others waiting for confirmation. Some of those planets are orbiting stars in what is believed to be the habitable zone and could sustain life. Dyck is using the geology of early planet formation to help identify exoplanets that might be capable of supporting life. Dyck says that discovering any exoplanet is exciting, but the key thing scientists want to know when a new exoplanet is discovered is if there are smaller Earth-like planets with iron cores among the exoplanets. Those planets are typically found inside the habitable zone of the star they orbit at the proper distance to support liquid water on their surface.