From: Dr. H. Paul Shuch (n6tx@setileague.org)
Date: Sat Jul 14 2001 - 05:18:06 PDT
WASHINGTON (AP) - In a glimpse of the ultimate fate of the solar
system, astronomers have found that the blazing death of a
distant star is melting its orbiting icy comets and creating a
cloud of water vapor. Astronomers at a news conference Wednesday
said that the finding, by an orbiting observatory, strengthens
the theory that there may be life-supporting planets elsewhere
in the universe. Gary Melnick of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center
for Astrophysics said the star, called CW Leonis, is "the
perfect laboratory for dissecting a dying solar system." Melnick
said the discovery marks the first time a solar-system type of
water cloud has been found around a star other than the sun. He
said that since water is considered essential for biological
activity, the discovery boosts the idea that planets orbiting
other stars may harbor life.
--------------------------------
H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., CFII, FBIS
Executive Director, The SETI League, Inc.
433 Liberty Street, PO Box 555
Little Ferry NJ 07643 USA
voice (201) 641-1770; fax (201) 641-1771
n6tx@setileague.org www.setileague.org
Project Argus station FN11LH
"We Know We're Not Alone!"
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