Saturday, October 12, 2013

Requirements for Life

We really don't know the conditions required for life in general. We only know what is required for life like us.

1. Liquid water -habitability is basically determined by liquid water as it is an excellent solvent for chemicals & provide medium for chemical reactions of living beings. But some life forms might be based on other liquids.

2. Elements or Organic compounds - life on Earth is made up of complex molecules based on Carbon. Carbon is the only atom capable of forming large complex molecules.

3. Energy source - Energy source need for synthesize complex organic molecules.

4. Atmosphere - To support liquids on its surface atmosphere is needed.

5. Temperature -temperature of planet mainly depend on the distance from sun. Support life in a planet needs temperature within 0-1000C with a pressure is at least 10mbars.

6. Protection from harmful radiation - For example, Ozone layer around Earth act as a protective cover from radiation.

7. Stability -conditions must be stable to initiate and exist life. it takes time for life to form and then evolve to complex forms capable of intelligence.

8. A suitable planet - not so small or not so large. if it is so small, loses its atmosphere. If it is massive, becomes “gas giants”.

9.  Disaster avoidance -collision with large asteroid, explosion of supernova very nearby can destroy life.

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