The possibility of life on other planets - a thought exercise

Is there life on earth? asks an imaginary creature living on Jupiter

Yehuda Sabdarmish

introduction

A common mistake made in the study of life on other planets is to take the form of life we ​​know on Earth, and discard it for other planets. Conclusions from such a point of view make us look for intelligent life precisely in Earth-like planets.

Let's say that somehow a document from an intelligent being from outside the Earth, most likely from the creatures living on the planet Jupiter, came into the system's hands. Let us see how these intelligent Jupiter beings would define and search for life in the solar system and in the vastness of the galaxy.

Below is the document:

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Since the penetration of the comet into our atmosphere (probably referring to the penetration of the comet Shumakr Levi-9 that hit Jupiter. System.) the question has become even stronger: "Would there be other intelligent life in the vastness of the cosmos or are we alone".

We are all familiar with the "formula for the existence of life" (probably referring to the "Drake formula" system) a formula that actually guarantees the existence of a number of intelligent beings in our galaxy - the "Milky Way". But we also know that the uncertainty in this formula is so great that the question still remains open.

Referring to the possibility of intelligent life on other planets, we must not take only the possibility known to us, that is, life as it is known on our large and stable planet, "Zedek". We must understand that in the vastness of the cosmos there can also be other forms of intelligent life. Nevertheless, we can assume several principles necessary for the existence of life of any form. The existence of these necessary principles will be tested here regarding planets in our solar system and we will see which are the planets where there is the greatest chance of finding life.

It goes without saying that these principles are accepted by everyone and there is a wide consensus behind them. Nevertheless, there are a few (there are always some) to whose unusual opinions we will devote a few words at the end.

Below are the necessary principles for the development of intelligent life on the planets: (not in order of importance)

A. The planet must have a large mass and a thick atmosphere.

The life that has been developing for millions of years on the surface of any planet must not be disrupted and destroyed by cosmic disasters.
The last comet that hit us less than a year ago, (referring to a Jupiter year equal to approximately twenty-nine Earth years. System) proved that the planet must have a large mass that creates a great gravitational force that could disintegrate any large comet or asteroid that might hit it. Also the planet must have a thick atmosphere that can burn and vaporize the disintegrated remains of the asteroid or comet, as was done, and successfully, with the last comet.
Needless to say what would have happened if this comet had hit one of the inner planets of the solar system. Such an impact would most likely destroy almost every form of life on the planet. The only one that might have been saved from this fate is the second planet (probably referring to the Venus system.) which has a tiny atmosphere. Everything else has no significant atmosphere. (Relative to Jupiter's atmosphere. System)

B. The composition of the atmosphere

The composition of the gases in the atmosphere must contain a large amount of the gas of life - the first element, hydrogen, is the element that builds a large part of our bodies.
On the other hand, the presence of the eighth element, which is very chemically active, is strictly prohibited. (Oxygen - system.) Inventions of this kind of element in the atmosphere of the planet will burn every living thing, and eliminate every chance for the development of life!

third. the distance from the sun.

The planet's distance from its sun must be large enough so that the sun does not have any significant effect on the planet's climate.
Temperature differences of hundreds of degrees or even tens of degrees between day and night may make it difficult for living production to form, let alone intelligent production.

d. internal energy.

The planet must have a constant internal energy for millions of years that will be a greenhouse in the opening of life just like our pleasant planet - Jupiter, which emits unnecessary heat into space and maintains a warm and constant temperature. (meaning approximately minus two hundred degrees Celsius. system)

Conclusions

It is easy to see that practically all the inner and small planets will in no way succeed in developing life, much less intelligent life. The approaching and beating sun will cause a hot temperature with changes of tens of degrees in a few hours as a result of the rotation of the planet on its axis. Proximity to the sun entails a large ultraviolet radiation that will add to and destroy any creature that survives the sun's heat. The high temperature will cause some life-threatening elements to appear in their gaseous state such as oxygen.
An atmosphere that does not exist (except perhaps for the second planet whose atmospheric pressure reaches about one thousandth of ours) will not be able to prevent comets and asteroids from hitting them, leaving destruction and death!
It is true that the third planet has a tiny atmosphere, but its pressure is approximately one hundred thousandths of that of our Jupiter, so it is difficult to call this thin gas mantle an "atmosphere".
In addition to all the troubles, the third planet is rich in oxygen which leaves no chance for life.
A faint chance for the possibility of life could (maybe) be on the other planet (Venus) if it were colder. But its greenhouse effect and the acidic clouds surrounding it, made it a fiery hell.
Also, all the inner planets almost completely lack the gas of life - hydrogen.

The remaining possibility for the invention of life is on our planet (Jupiter) and on our neighbors far from the Sun - the big planets rich in the life-giving gas hydrogen.

As for the planets in distant solar systems, well, the situation is not promising there either. The proximity of the large planets to their sun causes a high temperature of their atmosphere and extreme differences between day and night. Only if, in the further development of the solar system, the planet moves away from its sun, it will cool down and suitable conditions for life will develop.

Finally, a few words about those who oppose the strong conclusions of this article.

Even though the things are really obvious and there is a full consensus about them, there are still those who claim that life is also possible on the small planets...

We will bring here the unusual opinion of one stubborn scientist.

This scientist, known to us from the series of provocative articles he writes, insists that life may also be possible on the minor planets, and even... on the third planet, surrounded by oxygen in its thin and hot "atmosphere" (about 300 degrees Kelvin!).
When the scientist was asked to explain his claim, he said that it is possible that in the depths of the ocean of the third planet, far from the oxygen present in its "atmosphere", there may be conditions for life.

But, added the same scientist, he sees no obstacle that under certain conditions life will also develop... in the oxygen "atmosphere" of this planet... Blessed is the believer!.

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