Studying the 581 Planetary System

In Studying the 581 Planetary System, researchers explore the potential habitability of the planets in the Gliese 581 system. Gliese 581c is considered too hot to support life due to a runaway greenhouse effect, but Gliese 581d may have a chance. Its distance from the star and the potential for a warming greenhouse effect give it the possibility of sustaining life. Learn about the factors that make a planet habitable, such as atmosphere, temperature, and distance from its star.

Video Details

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Time:

5:04

Subject:

Science

Topic:

Earth and Space Science

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Time:

5:04

Subject:

Science

Topic:

Earth and Space Science

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Time:

5:04

Subject:

Science

Topic:

Earth and Space Science

Grades:

6-8 9-12

Time:

5:04

Subject:

Science

Topic:

Earth and Space Science

Lesson Express

Q: Why is Gliese 581c unlikely to support life?
A: Gliese 581c is too hot due to a runaway greenhouse effect, similar to Venus, making it uninhabitable.

Q: What makes Gliese 581d a more promising candidate for supporting life?
A: Gliese 581d is in the colder region of its star’s habitable zone, but if its atmosphere can create a greenhouse effect it may warm enough to support life.

Q: How does Earth’s extreme environments give scientists hope for finding life on other planets?
A: Scientists have discovered life in extreme environments on Earth, both hot and cold, which suggests that life could exist on other planets with similar conditions.

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