Earth-like planets may be more rare than thought

Nature Magazine ^ | 30 July 2004 | Philip Ball

[RightWingAtheist]

Here's an excellent page that explains it all:

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/9063/complexity.html

[Doctor Stochastic]

I couldn't get your link to work.

[RightWingAtheist]

D'oh! Try this one instead:

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/9063/kolmogrov.html

[Old Professer]

If we could ever get past our arrogance we might find that there is much yet to be learned.

[Old Professer]

Perfectly good form of the word.

[RightWhale]

That was a fine book. The authors are actual scientists with their heads screwed on tight. It happens that I totally agreed with their premise before they wrote the book, but when the book came out, although we are probably alone, I was no longer alone in that view. The book signaled a landmark change in direction of popular thought on the topic.

[KeyWest]

Rare Earth is exceptional as is Darwin's God.

As was pointed out, Rare Earth is not written by "religious" scientists. I do not recall God being mentioned at all. Darwin's God is written by a Christian who is not a creationist.

There were some posts about how we are finding that the Universe and Earth is much more complex than we originally thought. That is science's part. From that God becomes more complex than we originally thought (which is one of the conclusions of Darwin's God). That is religion's part. In both cases, it is man's arrogance that assumed both were simple, since that brings God and the universe down to our level.

It would be nice to know we are not alone in all this, but not really necessary if you believe in God. If you do not believe in God, it is imperative that we are not alone.

[Just mythoughts]

"No need to spend all that research money. All they had to do is read the Bible."


What??? Surely you jest, what other kind of work can "E's" do? This would be one massive retraining program.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Chances Are]

Not replying to any particular posts (yours just happened to be luck of the draw), but the entire thread (and attendant article) seem to assume life as we know it. That's a mighty big assumption, especially for the science-minded.

After reading all the numbers bandied about, the millions and billions, it's probably a safe assumption (!) that these are numbers on the low side.

Now, as a firm believer in the Creator, and all the powers bestowed upon all that is in his Creation, I find it more than a bit absurd that, except for us, the entire Universe (not to mention the possibility of Multiverses) is little more than a toxic dumping ground for all the efforts of said creation.

And even if this were true, if we are the pinnacle of development of these creation efforts, why does the Universe continue (and continuously) create? To what point, for what purpose, is the Universe continuously expanding? If it turns out we're the best the Creator can come up with, why is this being done, especially on such a massive scale?

Doesn't life, as the most potent and most permanent aspect of creation, seek to express itself wherever it can do so, regardless of the environment in which it finds itself? Life being such a force as it is, wouldn't it find ways to adapt to and develop in said environment, and thus allow itself to revel further and more fully in grateful and joyous thanks to the Creator? In all the powers of Creation, is this the only test tube where such expression can manifest itself?

I have my own ideas on these things, but whether you are Creationist or Scientist, Believer or non-Believer, the numbers game alone does not auger well for the argument that We Are Alone.

Anxiously awaiting all flames!

CA....

[qam1]

Problem is that our Moon is a freak, created during a giant planetary-scale collision 4.5 billion years ago. Although it can happen (clearly), it's not a likely event.

True, But these big Jupiter+ size planets that orbit closer to their suns could have earth size/like moons. It might be rare that life forms on it's own separate planet. I am just guessing that orbiting a big Jupiter+ size planet would keep a body just as if not more stable than the moon does with the earth (Well assuming the earth like moons orbit far enough away to avoid becoming like Io).

[null and void]

I'm assuming you are off line for Sabbath. Please ping me when you are back.

[null and void]

Well????

[skinkinthegrass]

the numbers game alone does not auger well for the argument that We Are Alone...Anxiously awaiting all flames!

Good Luck!..I'm glad your ready w/the extra fire retardant padding. :))

[Rock N Jones]

Well???

[null and void]

Good morning! Will you profess your faith today?

[Rock N Jones]

The subject of this thread is “Earthlike planets are more rare than thought” not Bash a Christian today. The question is whether or not there are other planets similar to ours capable of sustaining life elsewhere in the universe. The Bible seems to indicate there are not. For example Isaiah 45 verse 18 says the following:

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.

I appreciate your concern as to my spiritual health and I want you to know have a deep concern for yours.

[null and void]

That's not where I'm going. Indeed, my point may strengthen your ability to defend your faith.

[Zon]

How many stars are there in the universe?
------------------------------------------------
There are about 10 billion (10^10) stars in an average galaxy, and there are about 10 billion galaxies that we can observe in the universe, so the answer is 100 billion billion or 10^20.
John Hawley
Stars In The Universe
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/newton/askasci/1993/astron/AST014.HTM

[RadioAstronomer]

but a lot of people who claim to be scientists believe in this dogma that there MUST be life all over the universe.

Not any that I know. The probability is high, but I have not seen the word "must" in a peer reviewed paper about life elsewhere.