Life on Other Planets Focus
When it comes to finding life on other planets the most important fact is that there are a variety of conditions that astronomers look for when determining if a planet can harbor life or not. First off is the planet’s distance from the sun.
The planet has to be in the “Goldilocks Zone,” i.e. not to far from the sun and not to close that way the temperatures are modest and an atmosphere is allowed to take shape. This also provides a correct environment for liquid water to form, and with liquid water life has the potential to begin.
The physical properties of a planet is also key to the foundation of life. Professor Geoff Marcy is an astronomer from the University of California, Berkley and is a part of the Keppler Mission which is dedicated to finding and mapping out new planets.
When they look for potential planets that could harbor life, they look to see if the planet has “a hard, rocky surface to allow water to puddle on its surface in ponds, lakes, and oceans.”
Comments
Is it Possible?
Is the idea of there being life on other planets the result of a skeptic, or is it based on science? Of course, if a planet has characteristics that we have then there could be life, but doesn't this depend on what kind of life inhabits the planet? And if it does then how would we ever know what environments would be optimal for a certain kind of life?
Anthony,
I also am very intrigued by the possibility of finding new life on different planets. I would definitely recommend following NASA on twitter if you don't already, because it's definitely the easiest and quickest way to find new updates on Keppler and other potential habitual planets. I wish you luck in your research endeavors!
Best,
Christina
Planets
Hello Anthony,
What do you think about Newt Gingrich's remark that one day the United States might be able to build a colony on the moon and that eventually it could apply for statehood??
Anthony, I think that your
Anthony,
I think that your subject is very interesting. I've always been interested by the idea of life on other planets. Maybe you're already going to do this in your essay, but it would be interesting if you talk about the possibility of life on other planets that isn't necessarily carbon based, so the goldilocks requirements would be different. I'm interested to hear more about what you've found and what researchers are predicting is out there in our universe. I hope to be able to read what you write/find!