Eventually, our own sun will expand engulfing the inner planets. The zone where liquid water can exist on a planet's surface will expand as well, encompassing Jupiter or Saturn. Is it possible for complex organisms (like ourselves) to evolve on a moon of these gas giants? How would the gravitational forces of other moons in orbit effect longterm survival chances for species to develop?
2007-01-04 11:53:36 · 10 answers · asked by Joe A 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
As long as the moon in question has a atmosphere capable of supporting life, then yes. Saturn's moon Titan has a thick atmosphere, composed mostly of methane if I am correct. Europa, one of Jupiter's innermost moons, is believed to have a frozen ocean of water-ice. Triton (Neptune), is believed to have a thin atmosphere.
An example of a planet's tidal forces affecting a moon, look at Io (Jupiter). Its frequent volcanoes and geologic activity is believed to be caused by tidal forces generated by Jupiter, which has a strong gravitational field.
However, our sun at that stage will be unstable, and complex life forms would take too long to evolve, because the red-giant phase (when the sun would expand), occurs late in a star's "life", and thus would be a "dying" star.
2007-01-04 17:20:39 · answer #1 · answered by Aspasia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well - since none of us is likely to be alive when this happens, anyone's guess is as good as anyone elses. So - yes, it is possible. Less gravity? Well, we'd lose bone mass and become kinda' "mushy." When astronauts return, they often can't stand up on their own - depending on how long they've been in a weightless environment. I don't think the fact that the human race is getting taller has anything to do with gravity. It is better nutrition that has done that.
2007-01-04 12:00:37 · answer #2 · answered by CC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are so many aspects about Earth that are perfect for sustaining our type of life that it is incredible to fathom the whole thing happening all over again anytime soon or anywhere near us. Even the tilt of the axis and the moon are crucial for maintaining environmental balance conducive of life. If life does arise, it may be of a kind entirely and intrinsically different.
2007-01-04 12:13:17 · answer #3 · answered by Lucan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the question,
Right now scientist believe there is life on Jupiter's moon, Europa, and Saturn's moon Titan.
2007-01-04 11:56:39 · answer #4 · answered by mimoll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dunno. Has to be a pretty big moon. Needs to hold an appreciable atmosphere. Can't be too warm from all the tidal hubub, but I'm assuming you're stipulating that it is OK. I'm most worried about all the radiation though. I'm not at all sure, but I think there wouldn't be much protection.
2007-01-04 12:01:51 · answer #5 · answered by Atrocious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
anything is possible... more gravity = shorter average humans less gravity = taller average humans... if gravity pulls from above then that will have the apposite affect
2007-01-04 12:00:01 · answer #6 · answered by Tha Elite One of tha Gud Muzik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it's large enough to hold an atmosphere, sure.
2007-01-04 12:06:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, yes.
2007-01-04 12:03:12 · answer #8 · answered by rifles 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think we'll destroy ourselves before that happens.
2007-01-04 11:56:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no..........
2007-01-04 11:55:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋