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Wow, wasn't expecting this. I was happy we had the transit and radial velocity methods to discover new exoplanets. Then out of nowhere, a completely new method! I wonder if these new methods will ever cease coming?
1 posted on 02/19/2020 1:22:16 PM PST by LibWhacker
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To: LibWhacker

There are dozens (maybe as high as 200) variables that are required for there to be life on a planet are numerous. Just being in the “Goldilocks zone” is but one. It must have water. The planet must have a liquid iron core to generate a magnetic field to protect it against cosmic rays and winds. The planet must have a moderate tilt on its axis to avoid prolonged periods of extreme cold or heat. The planet must not be too large or small. The sun must not be too young and getting hotter or too old and getting colder. The sun must not be too large or too small. The planetary system must have several large gas giants to scoop in wandering comets and steroids.

There are many more variables making the likelihood of finding a habitable planet nearby (if you can call 100 light-years “nearby”) unlikely.


2 posted on 02/19/2020 1:44:09 PM PST by Blood of Tyrants (A socalist is someone that wants everything you have except your job.)
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To: LibWhacker

A dim M dwarf - should be named after Reichhhhhhhhh.


3 posted on 02/19/2020 2:51:51 PM PST by beethovenfan (Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin)
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To: SunkenCiv

*ping*


4 posted on 02/20/2020 2:44:43 AM PST by fieldmarshaldj (Dear Mr. Kotter, #Epsteindidntkillhimself - Signed, Epstein's Mother)
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