Where Would Earth-Like Planets Find Water? 168
astroengine writes "The term 'Earth-like worlds' is a vastly overused and hopelessly incorrect term that is popularly bandied about to explain some recent exoplanet discoveries. Although some of the distant small worlds being discovered by the Kepler space telescope may be of Earth-like size, orbiting their sun-like star in Earth-like orbits, calling those worlds 'Earth-like' gives the impression these alien planets are filled with liquid water. It turns out that we have only a vague idea as to where Earth got its water, and it will take a long time until we have any hint of this life-giving resource on worlds orbiting stars thousands of light-years away."
"Earth-like worlds" is not an incorrect term (Score:4, Insightful)
"The term 'Earth-like worlds' is a vastly overused and hopelessly incorrect term"
"Earth-like worlds" is not an incorrect term. Misused perhaps, but not incorrect.
Re:Wish they would just knock it off with "earth-l (Score:4, Insightful)
Welcome to
Alien life would need water? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Wish they would just knock it off with "earth-l (Score:5, Insightful)
I think the trouble with finding truly alien life wouldn't just be the distances involved, communication, etc. I think it might prove difficult for two radically different alien lifeforms to even PERCEIVE one another. Sort of a "Sir, it turns out that those things we thought were rocks were actually intelligent lifeforms that just move REALLY slow" kind of thing.
Re:Wish they would just knock it off with "earth-l (Score:3, Insightful)
If we need to choose between a billion dollars spent establishing a colony on a celestial body or spent on developing sustaining methods of producing food in impoverished nations, the production of food must take precedence.
I fail to see why the food needs of impoverished nations is more significant an issue for wealthy nations than the establishment of a permanent colony on another celestial body. The long-term viability of our species is far better served by expanding than trying to feed every child in the Sudan.
Re:Wish they would just knock it off with "earth-l (Score:5, Insightful)
That assumes the priority of the wealthy nations is the long-term viability of our species. Considering the number of policies implemented that jeopardize the long term sustainability for the short term profit, I doubt that is the case.
I predict we will continue to waste that money in stupid bullshit instead of doing either.
Re:Wish they would just knock it off with "earth-l (Score:5, Insightful)
. . .contemplating the scale of the universe always gets me down.
It's interesting that people feel that way. Personally I find it comforting to realize that the universe is so much larger than I am that I couldn't possibly be an important part of it. A study of the cosmos actually helps me focus on life in the here-and-now, to respect and enjoy the progress made by those who came before me, and to value the company of the humans around me, on the grounds that these things are all I'll ever get to experience.
IMO, astronomy and cosmology are worthwhile pursuits, not because of what they tell us about the stars, but because of what they tell us about ourselves. Through these sciences we've come to understand that the Universe sees us the way we see atoms in the antennae of ants, if the Universe contemplates us at all.
It seems important for humans to get past the idea that we serve a mystical universal entity with specific plans for us as individuals. Put simply, in the post-nuclear age, humility is a survival tool. Letting go of one's sense of cosmic self-importance should be a liberating sensation, not a depressing one.