I don't think a Rocket will cut it and Maybe it's time for new ideas. Is there anyone to take the honours and be the first test Dummy?
2007-02-21 23:26:02 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
We can have the technology to image terrestrial planets in 20 years well enough to take a cut at the spectrum using interferometry; it would have to be space based and out at the orbit of Jupiter to get into a dark enough sky. If we see water, carbon dioxide, methane and oxygen in the spectrum and the planet is the right size and distance from a proper star... well, we can infer life.
A really cool idea is to use the Sun as a gravitational lens of sorts with an imager way out beyond Pluto's orbit.
The Starshade concept can also work, using the Webb Telescope as the imager (yet to be launched) and a giant shade that would block most of the star's light. It also could image Earth-like planets.
2007-02-22 05:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by stargazergurl22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jakob has the right idea. Discovering the planet could best be achieved by use of telescope and analysis.
However, your question deals with rockets, so I assume that you want to visit.
Logically, you would need a propulsion system that would get you to another star, within a reasonable time frame. Rockets will not cover it. A probe sent up a few years back used iron drive, but, although producing constant accelleration, would not get you to the nearest star very quickly. The main problem for all of our systems, at the moment, is carrying enough fuel and reaching sufficient velocity to do it quickly enough. The speed of light also offers a limit to the velocity which can be reached in n space.
If some form of stasis or cryogenics could be applied to the astronaught, speed becomes less important. Unfortunately, as far as we are concerned, this would become a fire and forget mission.
Warp drives are theoretically possible. However, at the end of the day, we do not have a technology, either at the moment, or within the forseeable future, to visit other solar systems.
For any other ideas, see:
www.baenbooks.com
Luck
2007-02-22 07:45:04 · answer #2 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The way we are able to see earth like planets around the galaxy is to connect electrically very powerful telescopes in spaces, so the distortion of the Earth's atmosphere is reduced, and through the spectrum of light gather from those distance objects determine the composition of the planets such as oxygen, nitrogen, etc.
2007-02-22 11:07:55 · answer #3 · answered by M Series 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The technology exists to-day.
As they refine their techniques they will be able to extract a lot more information[about the planets they have discovered] An detect new ones.
2007-02-22 10:18:08 · answer #4 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Examining the spectrum of light from the planet you would be able to come up with a general idea of the composition of the planet.
2007-02-22 07:29:30 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree. Our current technology is sufficient. Bear in mind that if extraterrestrial life is found, it will most likely be suppressed for years. I honestly believe we have already succeeded.
2007-02-22 07:40:34 · answer #6 · answered by Steven H 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think a very powerful telescope and satallites will do.
2007-02-22 07:36:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋