US scientists find potentially habitable planet near Earth

**jdoggivjc** · 09-30-2010, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by TykeClone

The moon is tidally locked to the earth so we only see one side - but the light/dark terminus moves around the moon (appearing as moon phases to observers on earth)

This. One "moon day" is ~28 days, the same amount of time it takes to revolve around the earth. As far as I can picture it in my mind it would be impossible for the moon to be tidally locked to both the sun and the earth and yet still rotate around the earth.

**Cyhart** · 09-30-2010, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by CyForPresident

Its kind of amazing how far NASA and space exploration has come. 10-15 years ago there were a total of 9 known planets in the universe. Now there are 490 known planets and we have only looked relatively close to our solar system and only in our Galaxy. The odds are incredibly good that there are planets very similar to Earth and with life on them.

The problem is getting to these places. But now there is a theory that time doesn't exist, and if that is true, faster than light travel may be possible.

I call first dibbs on being a Captain in Star Fleet.

The odds are so good that at some point life in the Universe, completely independent from life on Earth, becomes a metaphysical certitude. (to borrow a term from Deace)
I just hope Im still alive when they find it.

**Senolcyc** · 09-30-2010, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by TykeClone

US scientists find potentially habitable planet near Earth - Yahoo! News

They have an interesting definition of "habitable"

117 trillion miles is a long way to travel to freeze your *** off. My shuttle seat is available, accepting offers now.

**CloneIce** · 09-30-2010, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Senolcyc

117 trillion miles is a long way to travel to freeze your *** off. My shuttle seat is available, accepting offers now.

The food alone is worth the trip... not too mention the women there are exotic.

**Cysrevenge** · 09-30-2010, 09:57 AM

I just hope there are blue people there who I can dock my tail with.... Sooo hot!

**VeloClone** · 09-30-2010, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Senolcyc

117 trillion miles is a long way to travel to freeze your *** off. My shuttle seat is available, accepting offers now.

You guys are missing the point.

Note this quote:

"Any emerging life forms on the new planet would have a wide range of stable climates to choose from and to evolve around, depending on their longitude," Vogt said.

If the terminus was too cold for your liking you could simply move a few degrees of longitude into the light side of the planet and the temperatures would increase. You would be able to find a band around the planet that would be right for comfortable living and agriculture. The questions would be the composition of the atmosphere and if there is any soil that earth plants could grow in or if the native plants (if there are any) are edible. There would also be issues of native species of bacteria and animal life and if they were hostile to humans.

Edit: Think of it this way. Most humans do not live anywhere near the poles of our earth because we find the climate too hostile. We move closer to where the sun hits the earth more directly where we can find a more hospitable climate. You could do the same on another planet.

**jdoggivjc** · 09-30-2010, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by VeloClone

You guys are missing the point.

Note this quote:

"Any emerging life forms on the new planet would have a wide range of stable climates to choose from and to evolve around, depending on their longitude," Vogt said.

If the terminus was too cold for your liking you could simply move a few degrees of longitude into the light side of the planet and the temperatures would increase. You would be able to find a band around the planet that would be right for comfortable living and agriculture. The questions would be the composition of the atmosphere and if there is any soil that earth plants could grow in or if the native plants (if there are any) are edible. There would also be issues of native species of bacteria and animal life and if they were hostile to humans.

Edit: Think of it this way. Most humans do not live anywhere near the poles of our earth because we find the climate too hostile. We move closer to where the sun hits the earth more directly where we can find a more hospitable climate. You could do the same on another planet.

So what are you saying - our football program is latitudinally challenged, and that's why we can't get the best football recruits to come here? Perhaps ISU should be the first school to colonize this planet so we can get the most ideal location and therefore the best football recruits

**Pitt_Clone** · 09-30-2010, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by TykeClone

They have an interesting definition of "habitable"

When they talk about the "habitable zone" they don't mean habitable for humans. Just habitable for some form of life.

**Senolcyc** · 09-30-2010, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by VeloClone

You guys are missing the point.

There is no point. It's a geek circle jerk of no practical value to anyone.

**WalkingCY** · 09-30-2010, 10:44 AM

i wonder if the new planet has an Iowa State University as well.... and a football stadium with an endzone that is completely finished?

**Lloyd88** · 09-30-2010, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by 1100011CS

" The researchers estimate that the average surface temperature of the planet would be between -24 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-31 to -12 degrees Celsius)."

Sounds peachy if I can bring my ISU Snuggy

A typical Iowa winter, where do I sign up! But it's 20 light years away.

The voyager II spacecraft is the fastest probe we've sent into space, about 35,000 mph. At that speed it would take 390,000 years. I'll pack an overnight bag.

**Knownothing** · 09-30-2010, 11:14 AM

I heard the new planets coach is having trouble getting recruits to go there. They don't like the weather.

**JHpsyclonz** · 09-30-2010, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by RyCy04

If you traveled near the speed of light the trip would take a very short time for you. Those on Earth would experience 20 years but it would be almost instantaneous for those traveling that fast.

Actually if you read about time dilation, the theory would be that several hundred if not a thousand years would pass on earth during the 40 light year roundtrip whereas time would still slow down for those on the ship because time is relative to one's perception

**wonkadog** · 09-30-2010, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Senolcyc

There is no point. It's a geek circle jerk of no practical value to anyone.

Pass me the Jergen's baby!!! In all seriousness, I am also a little skeptical of these reports about planets this far away...it's cool to think about but I have my doubts on how accurately you can really assess a solar system where you can't see details with your own eyes...

**CycloneErik** · 09-30-2010, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

So what are you saying - our football program is latitudinally challenged, and that's why we can't get the best football recruits to come here? Perhaps ISU should be the first school to colonize this planet so we can get the most ideal location and therefore the best football recruits

Would Texas come to New Ames in the winter?