From: John P. Roberts (jpr602_at_mac.com)
Date: Thu Apr 01 2004 - 19:28:10 PST
On Mar 31, 2004, at 11:35 AM, LARRY KLAES wrote:
> Summary: Where should SETI researchers target their hunt for other
> intelligent species? The answer depends in large part on whether
> planets orbiting dim red-dwarf, or M-class, stars can provide suitable
> habitats for the evolution of intelligent life. No one knows for
> certain, but Jill Tarter, Rocco Mancinelli and Peter Backus of the
> SETI Institute want to find out.
>
> http://www.astrobionet/news/article901.html
>
This was a really interesting article and I encourage everyone to read
it. Also, check out the links at the bottom of the page.
(I was unable to copy/paste text from the article for some reason.)
Article discusses what physical characteristics a habitable (i.e., with
liquid water) planet would have if around an M dwarf. One is that the
planet's orbit would be spin-locked with the star, so that one side
always faces the star, as our moon does to Earth. Another factor is
that these stars tend to flare.
I think it would be interesting to imagine what sort of life and
intelligence could evolve on such a world. Someone should write a
novel.
Anyone interested in astrobiology should read Vernor Vinge's novel "A
Deepness in the Sky". It's the sequel to "A Fire Upon the Deep" and has
as central characters a race of beings on a planet around a variable
star. Periodically (every few centuries?) the star's radiation
diminishes and the planet cools enough that its atmosphere freezes. The
creatures hibernate until the star and planet warm again. These
creatures are intelligent with an industrial society.
J.P. Roberts
WJ7P
Eugene, Oregon
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