3 ms·
The definition of "earth-like" in this context is almost absurdly broad: roughly it means: a rocky-metallic planet, around Earth mass (maybe 0.5 to 1.5 or so?),
by gcanyon 3mo ago
The definition of "earth-like" in this context is almost absurdly broad: roughly it means: a rocky-metallic planet, around Earth mass (maybe 0.5 to 1.5 or so?), and in an orbit that might support liquid water -- not has water, just water would be liquid under some circumstances if it were there.
So:
- no atmosphere? no problem
- no water? no problem
- average temperature 40c? fine
- 4c? Yup
I think both Venus and Mars qualify (barely).
All to say, when someone says a planet is "Earth-like" that doesn't mean we should get out our picnic baskets.
- izend 3mo agoLHS 1140 b has about 5.6 times Earth’s mass
- throwthrow7766 3mo ago[dead]