THE
RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR LIFE

Topics: Creation; Creator; Life

References: Psalm 95:1–5; Isaiah 45:18

In the vast universe, few systems can support life. According to Dr. Seth Shostak, an astronomer with the SETI [Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence] Institute, the following conditions must be present to support life:

•     The system’s star (“sun”) must not be a giant star, because those burn out before life can fully develop.

•     The system’s star must not be a dwarf star, because such a star locks in the close planets, meaning “one side of the planet forever faces its sun, resulting in horrific weather and unlikely venues for life.”

•     The system’s star cannot be a double star, because the unusual gravitational forces created by a double star sun might not allow stable planetary systems.

•     The system’s star must not be a young star, because stars less than one billion years old have not had enough time for life to develop.

•     Ideally, the planet would have a large moon, which creates active tides.

•     The planet should have tectonic activity, which causes metals to be pushed up to the surface, since metals are valuable to a technological civilization.

•     The planet should have a large planet farther out in its solar system, which by its great gravitational pull cleans the inner solar system of deadly asteroids and comets.

•     The planet should not have a highly elliptical orbit, which is unsuitable for incubating life.

•     For life to live on the surface, the planet must have an atmosphere. “Very small planets lose their air, and very large planets tend to sport poisonous atmosphere. Earth-sized planets are ideal.”

It just so happens that Earth meets all these conditions.

—“The Search for Intelligent Life in Space” course outline (The Teaching Company Limited Partnership, 1999)