Goldilocks Planets Not So Uncommon After All

I'm completely shocked to learn from new research that planets within the Goldilocks range other than Earth not only do exist, but are actually quite common!  Alright, so I'm not surprised at all.  Once again our human notion that we are unique in this universe that appears endless due to our limited knowledge and imaginations. A Goldilocks planet must be not too hot, not too cold.  Also, not too big yet not too small.  Finally, the star must be not too big not too small.

One Seattle Times article focuses a little more on the method of discovery of planets, and another dares to ask the galaxy's most provocative question: Are We Alone?  Time Magazine also has an in-depth look at the planet in question.

Of the more notable quotes is one from co-discoverer Steven Vogt of the University of California at Santa Cruz, "chances for life on this planet are 100 percent."  Well, there you have it folks!  Steve Vogt knows something that we don't.  He's already made contact!  In another insightful quote he says, "It's not a very interesting name [Gliese 581g] and it's a beautiful planet," Vogt said. Unofficially, he's named it after his wife: "I call it Zarmina's World."  Then we would call these people Zarminians?  The most revealing thing about this statement is that he says this is a beautiful planet...  Anyone familiar with the method for detecting interstellar planets knows that he has absolutely no idea what Zarmina's World looks like!  They measure the wobble of the star as the planet orbits.  This gives them data such as the mass, distance from the star, and orbit of the planet.  This brings us to the startling conclusion once again that the man has been to the planet.


But seriously, "Either we have just been incredibly lucky in this early detection, or we are truly on the threshold of a second Age of Discovery," they wrote.  The search for Earth-like planets is only in its infancy, yet we have already found at least 1 suitable candidate just 11 years into the project.  So just how common are habitable planets (assuming that only Earth-like planets are habitable and that life must have water)?


So far, scientists have discovered about 500 planets in our "neighborhood".  This is the first to sit right in the middle of the habitable zone, like Earth.  In an optimistic calculation, they figured that as much as 1 in 5 to 10 stars in the universe could have a habitable planet.  With an estimated 200 billion stars in the universe, that means maybe 40 billion planets that have the potential for life, Vogt said.


As many as 40 Billion habitable planets in the universe...  And some of you still think we're alone!!!  The real question is how do we tap into the galactic network and will we get along with our neighbors?

Space Quotes

Upon seizing the galactic core, one utrabot said, "Fleshlings drool, ultrabots rule!"

Space Travel Tip #2

When in Gole, DON'T do as the Golans do. Their climate controlled planet is set to a constant, pleasant 80 degrees rendering clothing unnecessary. Resist the temptation to reveal yourself as you will most likely be a ghastly sight to the world of genetically enhanced identical twins. They revere their perfected humanity almost religiously. Flaunting your flawed figure would amount to blasphemy.


 

Keep your clothes on and try not to stare, it's rude!


 

 

Going Green With In-vitro Meats?

In-vitro meat technology may be in its infancy here on Earth, but At the Thraxvue Cafe, people with refined taste from all over the galaxy can enjoy high quality in-vitro meats.  The meat is grown in the on-sight factory.  No animals were killed, or even harmed in the cultivation of your steak.  Grown without pesticides, chemicals, growth hormones or pharmaceuticals.  As an additional benefit, the planetary air-quality is unaffected by millions of animal flatulence.


Just make sure to bring a planet-sized pocket book with you.  Some items on the menu cost much more than the Earth on the Galactic Listing Service for real estate.  There's a price for quality and its definitely more than you can afford!

Space Travel Tip #1

If you enjoy Las Vegas, you should try the gambling world, Gamba.  They say "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," but what fun is that?  What happens in Gamba is broadcast on the Gamba television networks, podcast and uploaded to thraxtube.  Their slogan is "Gamba, fun whether you're physically here or via spycam".

Empty Space? Are you that stupid?

What if the whole galaxy is teaming with life even more intelligent than humans?  Could it be that some are already hidden among us?  They might not even look that different from us.  Maybe Earth is on the outer-rim of galactic civilization just like certain tribes in the Amazon rain forest have yet to "discover" the rest of the world.  Thrax Bubbles assumes this is the case, because, in all honesty, a galaxy with one inhabited planet out of gazillions is not only extremely BORING, but even more absurdly IMPOSSIBLE.

I was much more inclined to write about a reluctant human space traveler who meets pink-robed, prodding alien scientists with wrinkly puppy-dog faces than a man who sees one barren rock after another.

Again, I was interested in what the theory of evolution might do on planets of different circumstances and the quirky societies that would result.  Insectilians, Reptilians, Anphibimen, Slugmen?  Anything is possible, especially given my wild imagination!

There would be robots of course.  Whole planets of them, others working as slaves, and many with twisted programming.  After all, has anyone heard of a computer or software that didn't have a few bugs?

In a galaxy where the planets are too numerous to count, could one government unite them all?  Could police keep order?  Or is it just a big Machiavellian free-for-all?

With all this life around us, do you really believe that our history hasn't been tampered with?  What about our leaders?  Were they, are they really all human?  Come on, don't be naive...

Follow the blog-posts to get exclusive interviews with characters from the story, random thoughts, links to related video and web content... and maybe even more.. who knows, it's a big universe.

Star Trek science put to the test on Mythbusters December 18th at 9 PM.

Star Trek science put to the test on Mythbusters December 18th at 9 PM. 

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