The Earth is not special? For us, absolutely, but some exoplanets have already been discovered that may be very similar to our world. For now, however, they are beyond our reach. Meanwhile, it turns out that there could have been many more similar planets, but not all of them survived the influence of nearby stars.
Many stars with remnants of Earth-like planets
Scientists conducted an interesting study that focused on metallicity of stars. This became possible with the development of measurement techniques. The experiment showed divergent results. Some objects showed visible differences and therefore an explanation was sought.
According to researchers of this type pollution may be caused by terrestrial planetswhich are rich in metals. The only question is: how did such elements get to the stars? It was probably caused by disastersthat occurred in these systems in the past.
Research has shown that approximately 5-10 Sun-like stars may have had a transit planet somewhat similar to Earth. However, scientists point out here that there is a large underestimation, which results from, among others, from periodic occurrence of pollution. Therefore, researchers suggest that such an effect may in fact occur concern up to about 30 percent. starsbut these are guesses.
Stars can destroy planets
Planetary systems are places where various conditions occur. Our system is relatively calm, but a few billion years ago it was also a chaotic place, where many objects collided with each other.
Many of the exoplanets discovered so far show us that they are very strongly associated with their own stars and are very close to them. To such an extent that one “year” can only be counted in hours. However, some planets are torn apart and then absorbed by solar-like objects.
This means that many Earth-like planets may have formed in the universe, but not all of them survived. Fortunately, this fate has not befallen our world, although in a few billion years the inner Solar System will also face destruction.
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Source: geekweek.interia.pl
