First, let's consider some of the factors
that make life on our planet possible:| Today's topic | Solarweek Homepage | Contact us |
Is There Life on Other
Planets?
First, let's consider some of the factors
that make life on our planet possible:
The earth has a lot of
water covering its surface. In fact, water covers over 2/3 of the earth's
surface!
Also, the
earth has a protective atmosphere that shields living things from uv and x-rays,
types of light that can harm living things. Some UV rays are able to penetrate
the earth's atmosphere, however, and this is why it is necessary to use
sunblock.
The earth's temperature fluctuates
within a given range that sustains life.
The
elements that make up living things are found in abundance on earth, elements
such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and phosphorous.
The possibility that life exists on other planets is being studied by scientists. They often begin by looking for stars with characteristics similar to our sun's. There are many factors that researchers must consider as they narrow their search for life on other planets, such as...
A number of extra-solar planets have been
found although none have shown signs of life.
FACTOID: An
EXOBIOLOGIST is a scientist who tries to answer questions about the possibility
of life on other planets. Carl Sagan was a famous exobiologist.
| Today's topic | Solarweek Homepage | Contact us |