We know that Earth is the only one that is habitable among all the planets we have discovered so far. For this reason, scientists are trying to discover whether there is another habitable planet in the depths of the universe, based on the Earth.
A new study has revealed interesting information about the habitability of the Earth. Experts who carried out the research stated that our own planet is not as ‘livable’ as possible, and that Jupiter can increase the habitability of the Earth. So what does this mean? Let’s see together.
A change in Jupiter’s orbit could make Earth more ‘habitable’
According to the research published on The Astronomical Journal; If the orbit of Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, changes, the Earth may become more habitable than it is now. Pam Vervoot, a scientist from the University of California, who conducted the research, stated that they proved the falsehood of common information by using the following statements about it:
“If Jupiter’s position remained the same but the shape of its orbit changed, our planet’s habitability could actually increase. Most people think that Earth is the epitome of habitable planets, and that a change in the orbit of the giant planet Jupiter would have a bad effect on the Earth. We show that neither is true.”
The researchers created an alternative solar system in the study. Then it was observed what would happen if Jupiter’s orbit was changed to more eccentric. To expand a little more, the orbit of the giant planet being less circular and more oval can lead to changes in the Earth’s orbit. This revealed that parts of the Earth can sometimes be closer to the Sun, and regions that are below freezing and uninhabitable may warm up and become habitable.
In the same study, it was also seen that the reverse of this situation could negatively affect the Earth. Jupiter being closer to the Sun would have caused the Earth to tilt and most of the surface to fall below freezing. As a result, a significant portion of the planet would not be habitable.
May contribute to our search for life in outer space
We can say that we are facing a very important study because there are many different moving parts in our solar system; however, which of these contributed to life on Earth is unknown. The information can assist us in our search for habitable planets. Because that way, we can better understand what makes a habitable planet the way it is. It can also be added that the study seriously challenges the belief that Earth is the most suitable example for life.
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