Well it has finally happened. After years of searching space for possible earth-like planets, a couple have been found. The tool used to find these new planets was the Kepler Space Telescope. What this indicates is that earth-like conditions are possible on other planets, however, size alone does not indicate the possibility of life.
In addition to having the right size for supporting life on an alien planet, the right chemical properties are also necessary. For example, on earth we know that life needs oxygen and water, therefore, we assume that life on other planets will also need these chemical components. However, recent findings on the planet earth also found life being supported on other chemical foundations. Extremophiles found in the darkness of deep oceans, are living off of silicates and other chemical bases.
Temperature also plays an important role in the likelihood that life exists on other planets. The “Goldilocks Zone” is a term that is used to describe the temperature range that can support life. The temperature cannot be too cold or too hot. It has to be “just right.” To ensure the right mixture of hot and cold, the planet has to orbit so that its entire surface is exposed to periods of star thermal energy and deep space coolness. It also means that the planet cannot be too close or too far away from the star that it orbits.
With all of these requirements it is easy to see why so many scientists do not think that life on other planets is probable. However, if life can survive in non-earth-like conditions then the probability of life increases. For this year’s astronomy science fair project, think about what life would be like if it evolved in an environment unlike what is found on earth. What physical adaptations would be necessary?
Tags: astronomy for kids, earthlike planets found, emerging astronomy findings, planets found, science fair projects
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Holiday gift idea #14 is one of my favorites. It is the Wireless Science Fair Project Kit. This kit explores the science behind wireless technology. Your kids can use it to develop remote controlled vehicles, robots and other machines and tools!
Tags: science fair projects, technology, wifi, wireless, wireless science, wireless science fair project kits
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The Detectolab Science Kit is today’s gift of the day. This is a great gift for kids that are interested in forensic science, in becoming a detective or who just have curious minds. This kit comes with everything that you need to complete over a dozen experiments and it is the perfect accessory for developing a project for the upcoming science fair.
Tags: detectolab, detectolab science kits, gift, gift ideas, gifts, holiday, holiday gifts, kids, science, science fair projects, science kits
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Young Scientists kits explore the science of magic. This kit will teach your kids all about the science behind sleight of hand and optical illusion magic tricks. These are a lot of fun and they are a great gift idea for kids 9-12.
Tags: holiday magic, holiday magic science kits, moving joints, optical illusions, science fair projects, science kits
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Young Scientists kits cover a lot of different science concepts. If your child is interested in medicine or biology, then the anatomy kit is a good option. This kit will let your child explore the human body inside and out with great multimedia and 3D materials.
Tags: activities, anatomy, break, holiday, holiday anatomy science kits, school, science fair projects
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