Life In Space - Weekly Blog (5/20-5/24)

The Solar System by Sea and Sky

There are many things astronomers look for when finding life in space. The first and most important step is to look for other planets. Just because you may find a new planet does not mean it meets all requirements for life. To find other planets, scientists use two methods, the transit method, and the Doppler technique. The first method, called the transit method, is when scientists look in changes of brightness in stars. This change in brightness occurs when a planet orbits in front of it. It is easier to see a change for larger planets because they have a larger mass in front of the star. The next technique, known as the Doppler technique, occurs when we see a change in velocity of the star. The planet's gravity moves the star, which is called a 'wobble.'

When looking for habitable planets, scientists look in something known as the habitable zone. This is where liquid water could be possible. The closer a planet is to the star it is orbiting, the hotter it will be. Similarly, the farther from the star, the colder it will be. This explains why Earth is not the hottest, nor the coldest planet. It is important that a planet has enough gravity to have an atmosphere, which means that there would be water on the surface, necessary to survival. In addition to needing water, living things require a source of energy, chemicals, and more. Habitable planets are rocky planets as well.

According to the University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy, "In terms of the number of solar systems present in the universe, there are something like 300 billion stars in the Milky Way, so if 10 percent of them have planets there are around 30 billion planets in our galaxy alone, and there are over 100 billion galaxies in the observable Universe for a total of something in the order of 10^21 (that's 1 then 21 zeros) planets in the observable Universe." There are so many potentially habitable planets out there. Thus, it is possible that there is life in space. Scientists know the exact conditions and requirements necessary for a planet to be habitable. In addition, we have the technology, such as the Kepler telescope, which can help find new habitable planets. In conclusion, it is possible that there is life in space. There are so many planets out there, and with modern technology, we have the tools and information to find habitable planets.