Scientists estimate 30 billion Earths

bbc ^ | 3 Jul 02 | Dr David Whitehouse

[RightWhale]

There might be other planets about the size of earth, but none of them, not one, would be like earth in any other way. Don't expect meadow-fresh air, nor mild seasons, nor lake trout.

Suggesting that there could be life out there and planets we might like is like telling Columbus that streets in America are paved with gold. Such an idea might cause exploration and the king to open the kingdom's coffers, but the reality will be far different. False hope. How is the King of Spain doing these days?

[Savage Beast]

Maybe so, but I'm beginning to feel kinda cramped.

[Billthedrill]

There might be other planets about the size of earth, but none of them, not one, would be like earth in any other way.

I hope you are not questioning the veracity of Captain James T. Kirk! No space bimbos? For Pete's sake keep it quiet or the space program is doomed...

[dead]

I could pick a number out of hat, and it would be just as valid as this number.

[mad_as_he$$]

With all due respect I beg to differ. The probability of another Earth like planet with similiar features is just a probable as not. I do not believe that you can make a blanket statement with regard to probabilities. If you are a creationist - Why wouldn't God stick to a receipe that works? If you are a science based thinker then again it is just as likely as not.

If you like some more imagination pretend that the Stargate is real and some other race scattered the gene pool around the galaxy. Or possible by visiting a young planet and leaving behind some stray proteins that took over and began life.

[TADSLOS]

Scientists estimate 30 billion Earths

Each of which must be 'saved' by environmentalists. I wouldn't be surprised to see some form of universe environmental protection legislation pushed by the enviro-lobby and introduced by the usual suspects by the end of next week.

[lds23]

I propose we start imposing tarrifs on them right away.

[RightWhale]

I'm beginning to feel kinda cramped

We all are. Like rats in a box.

We don't actually need planets to live in outer space. Think about it: If we can build starships that take 1000 years to get anywere, we will have essentially built our own worlds. Don't need planets, it's a lame excuse for staying on this backwater mudhole of a planet.

[RightWhale]

Granted that all that is possible. However, none of it has been seen so far, and there is no reason to wait until it is seen. Our job, our assigned task, is to go forth and multiply, not to sit here and wring our hands until something is delivered on a golden platter. We already got our golden platter of goodies, don't expect another.

[Free the USA]

Index Bump

[RightWhale]

They already have their hooks into the moon and Mars. Planets might be scarce overall, but the thing that is even scarcer out there is environmentalists. Always will be like that. In Space no one can hear you Whine.

[Blackdakota]

Wow these Scientists are so smart!! 30 billion..whew now I can sleep better tonight knowing this.

Come to think of it, about every planet they find they always compare to Jupiter anyway so I'm surprised they didn't say 30 billion Jupiters.

[far sider]

Larry Norman bump.

If there's life on other planets then I'm sure that he must know,
And he's been there once already and has died to save their souls.

[Salgak]

Ahem. No "space bimbos". They are Green Orion Slave Women.

Get your terminology correct, you dunsel (g)

[EBITDA]

You beat me to it. Amen.

[john in missouri]

Hey! I kinda like this planet!

OTOH, I'd also like to see a few other worlds. Unfortunately, it's just too darn expensive to get there.

[RightWhale]

30 billion Jupiters

Out of the 100 SuperJupiters, they found 1 that has an orbit like the one and only original Jupiter. That 1 is a "possible" for small rocky planets similar to the inner planets. The rest are unlikely. That's 1 in 1000, not 1 in 10. The 30 billion is down to 0.3 billion. If you pick up 300 million grains of sand off a beach, what are the odds of even one jewel-quality diamond being in there? Could happen, but you could starve first.

[DAnconia55]

In Space no one can hear you Whine.

Nice. And such a perfect fit for them.
I'll be borrowing that one :)

[RightWhale]

it's just too darn expensive to get there

Getting there is the cheap part. Terraforming what we find there will be expensive.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Scientists estimate 30 billion Earths

I estimate too many scientists with too much time on their hands.