alone again, or...

We’ve all heard about the “Goldilocks Zone”.  That slither of space a certain distance from a sun that any orbiting object within it might be capable of supporting life.

Obviously there are other requirements for life to begin and evolve but what if those conditions are so peculiar to Earth that it is the only inhabited planet in the Universe?  Seems unlikely I know but consider the following things that may make our planet truly unique:

-       our size and relative distance from our sun which means that Earth is not too cold, or too hot, too wet or too dry (this of course could apply to other planets in the above-mentioned zone but what if they had to be an exact size, mass and distance from their star)?

-       the degree of tilt our planet has which means that it spins without too much of a wobble but sufficiently to provide us with seasons that are precisely perfect for life forms to thrive

-       our moon which is exactly 400 times smaller than the sun but 400 times closer to us leading to tides that are neither too calm or severe, and is sufficient distance away from us to have deflected potentially planet ending asteroids from hitting us

-       following on from the above, our position in our solar system relative to other planets affording us a perhaps unique level of protection throughout the Universe

-       magnetic poles providing vital protection from violent solar flares which would otherwise destroy our home

-      plate tectonics meaning our planet’s surface is sufficiently volcanically active to promote life but not so violent that it destroys it

-       the precise make up of our atmosphere and ratio of water to land mass meaning our weather is not too severe to kill everything off

-       bees.  Of course.  Everyone says that bees are absolutely critical to life on earth.  What if this is the only place they exist?

So, there we have it.  Are we unique enough to be alone in the vastness of space.  Or is the Universe huge and diverse (and old) enough to support other planets with exactly the same criteria as ours.  Perhaps maybe such perfect conditions are not necessary. 

Arthur C. Clarke wrote “two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not.  Both are equally terrifying!”

Scary indeed.

Comments

  1. If the universe is infinite, then ANYTHING is possible. (And it seems that the only thing with the potential - and the will, unfortunately - to destroy life on earth is Man.)
    And now some sisterly advice - go and read something light and funny.

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  2. Why do you assume 'life' means 'human'? There could be all sorts of different beings requiring different circumstances to support them....just sayin'. ;)

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