The new earthlike planet discovered in Libra is only 20.5 light years away and has temperatures close to earth's. Do you think this is a good candidate as the first planet to be visited by a spacecraft, manned or unmanned?
Read about the details in the link.
http://macrocosm-magbook.blogspot.com/
2007-04-24 18:16:50 · 5 answers · asked by alvinwriter 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If we sent a space craft today it might take 100 years to get there. If we wait fifty years for new technology maybe we can send a craft that gets there in 25 years. So when the first space craft arrived, people would already be there.
My bet is on an unmanned craft first.
2007-04-24 19:05:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's too late for it to be the first planet visited by an unmanned spacecraft. Since it is the first earth-like planet discovered thus far, it is an excellent candidate for exploration. Mounting an expedition will be difficult, however, as we do not have a safe means of travel to planets in our own solar system as yet. Communication at 20.5 light years will also pose problems.
2007-04-24 18:30:52 · answer #2 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We first need to find a way to get there faster, ex: warp speed, hyperdrive etc. And second of all, what if there is already life on that planet, hostile life?
What if in 10 years from now, we could reach that planet in 20 hours, search the planet, only to find beings who would come after us just because we went there in exploration?
On the other hand, we may come across beings who are more technologically advanced than we are, and would help out with the Earth's future.
And to add, if the gravity there is heavier, that would just make things worse wouldn't it? What about farms, and livestock, and all the other things we have here? Is it possible to have them on that planet as well?
2007-04-24 18:52:18 · answer #3 · answered by twiigss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would take soooo long for the craft to get there. If it takes light 20.5 light years to get there, it would probably take teh craft thousands of years to get there.
2007-04-24 18:27:31 · answer #4 · answered by Spilamilah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u live for trillions of yrs it is because its gonna take that long
2007-04-24 23:43:03 · answer #5 · answered by Eddyking4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋