Earth might not be the best place for life after all



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In the ongoing search for worlds of our solar system, scientists often compare newly-discovered planets with our own as they offer educated guesses about their potential to support life. It makes sense since Earth is life only, but what if Earth's life-giving condition is actually lackluster? What if, out there among the countless galaxies, other planets not only support life, but also provide better conditions for a variety of life at home?

Speaking at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Congress in Spain this week, Dr. Stephanie Olson of the University of Chicago argues that some planets we may find in the so-called "habitable zone" around distant stars may actually be more perfect for life than Earth is .

Olson's work focuses on exoplanets with liquid water. Water, scientists think, is crucial for life to take root, but some oceans may be better. By studying Earth's oceans and simulating climates and ocean systems on exoplanets, Olson's team discovered that Earth's oceans are far from perfect.

"Olson said during a reading keynote. "Life in Earth's oceans depends on upwelling (upward flow) which returns nutrients from the dark depths of the ocean to the sunlit portions of the ocean where photosynthetic life lives. More upwelling means more nutrient resupply, which means more biological activity. These are the conditions we need to look for on exoplanets. "

A combination of "higher atmospheric density, slower rotation rates, and the presence of continents" all contribute to higher rates of upwelling. This, Olson says, suggests that earth may be more habitable than our own.

As astronomers continue to scour the heavens for other planets, scientists will eventually narrow their search for life-supporting worlds based on where they think they have the best shot at finding it. However, until we actually find extraterrestrial life somewhere in space, let's make our best guess.

Image Source: NASA / ESA

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