The Search for Extraterrestrial Life continues. You’ve all heard of the “habitable zone” – the narrow range of distances from the host star at which a planet will have liquid water, an essential condition for life? Well actually it would seem scientists have identified at least eight habitable zones in which a planet must reside in order to harbor advanced life. Treat yourself to this.
Here is a link to another blogger’s commentary on the very recent discovery of Kepler 452b, an “extrasolar” planet orbiting a nearby star, illustrating very intelligibly why so much fine-tuning is necessary in order for any planet to be habitable for life, especially complex life:
http://rtbsydneychapter.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/is-kepler-452b-really-earth-20-bigger.html
Anthony and I are members of what Reasons to Believe calls its “apologetics community.” I took a training course and was granted admission to their bulletin board in which approx. 250 scientists and lay people from many backgrounds from all over the world participate. (It looks like Anthony is in Australia!) Generally I can get several knowledgeable answers to most technical questions in a day or two.
The original article appears above the line; Anthony’s comments are below. Enjoy!
Joshualetter 