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> 2. Being in the “habitable zone” doesn’t mean a planet is habitable Related question: Does "habitable" mean "habitable for humans"? I thought it didn't, but
by Tepix 7y ago
> 2. Being in the “habitable zone” doesn’t mean a planet is habitable
Related question:
Does "habitable" mean "habitable for humans"? I thought it didn't, but after reading some dictionary definitions, i believe it does. On the other hand looking at the planetary habitability wikipedia page it's clear that it means "life-friendly". No wonder many people are confused.
Of course a planet with 8-9 times the mass of earth is not very friendly for humans, ignoring all the other possible issues (pressure, chemical composition, radiation, flares etc)
- manicdee 7y agoThe “habitable zone” is the theoretical range from the Star that allows an Earth-like planet to have mean temperatures suitable for Earth-like life. It’s almost entirely arbitrary, but roughly based on luminosity of the star.
- perl4ever 7y agoPeople have commented that a planet a bit larger than earth (I think 8-9 times qualifies) would have gravity too strong for rockets to ever be practical, and thus whether you were a marooned earthling or evolved there, you would never ever be able to get into orbit. So, there could be "super-earths" with life similar to ours, even intelligent, and they would never be able to participate in a space-faring society.
- Tepix 7y agoNever? What if you build a spaceline moon elevator on their moon and dangle it into their gravity well to assist them...