From: Mike Lorrey (mlorrey@datamann.com)
Date: Thu May 09 2002 - 14:53:46 MDT
Amara Graps wrote:
>
> Robert:
> >However, if it does turn out to
> >be a significant factor, then comments about it being
> >included in "Rare Earth" body of evidence and (IMO)
> >the Drake Equation are quite important.
>
> Rare Earth body of evidence ?
>
> If you referring to the book of that name, then please see here:
>
> (_Rare Earth_ book criticism and flaws)
> http://www.lucifer.com/exi-lists/extropians/4116.html
>
> If you are not referring to the book, then I ask if you would
> consider the possibility that the newer astronomical
> observations/measurements, which many scientists are finding
> perplexing, mean, not that the formation of Earth is rare, but that
> the previous solar system formation *theories* need updating or
> revising. Observations and new data will do that, you know.
>
> I'll have some more more words about this shortly. (working on an
> note to post here about Earth's water)
I think that the prime factor in the Rare Earth scenario is that any
planet developing intelligent life is going to require that it have a
thin lithosphere and large moon, generally caused by glancing impact of
a planetesimal during early solar system formation. Without these, any
candidate planet will have either too much atmosphere like Venus, or too
little like Mars.
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