This is just so cool. Scientists have discovered a planet orbiting the relatively nearby star of Gliese 581G that appears to be capable of supporting life. That is, its distance from its sun and its size fall within a range that is conducive to many of the prerequisites for life as we know it, such as liquid water and maintaining an atmosphere.
Similar to Earth's moon, this planet appears to be fixed as it orbits Gliese 581G. The same side always faces the sun and the same side always stays in darkness. Though this suggests temperature extremes on the planet, scientists suggest that the belts near the transition from light to dark would likely be quite temperate. Also, they would be bathed in a perpetual state of glowing sunrise or sunset light. How would life not want to live there?
If only we had a spaceship that could speed over and check this world out. Maybe someday...
No comments:
Post a Comment