As earth is deteriorating day by day, some believe that at some point of time we would need a new home that can sustain life.
There are various government agencies and companies which are already running space exploration programmes to find a suitable planet that can sustain life. Planet Mars is one of the choices but it still has a long way to go. The elements which are required to hold life and that too in a single planet is very rare and we are very lucky that earth has those vital elements. However, the clone of earth is yet to be found.
Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Let’s see that what kind of planet we are looking for to be our next home.
1.First, in order for the planet to sustain life, it needs energy, carbon, liquid water and an atmosphere. But all these factors depend on the location of the planet like in a solar system and how far it is from its star. If it is too far from the star then there is very less chance of liquid water and if its too near to the star then due to the immense heat, the water will evaporate.
2.Secondly the planet should have a molten metal core. The purpose of the core is to protect the planet from the radiation that is being emitted from the star.
3. Thirdly, the planet should have its own large satellite like how Earth has Moon. The large satellite will help the planet to keep the balance of gravitational pull and maintain its axis rotation. If Earth did not have the Moon, then there would be lot climate catastrophes. 4.
Lastly, the planet should have gravity to keep the atmosphere in control.
Well, now we know that to find one planet with all these features is quite difficult but the universe is very huge and with endless possibilities. The chances of finding Earth’s twin is still unimaginable until it is found.
