Thompson test 1 part 1

A There are billions of galaxies in the universe and countless billions of stars, so to many people it seems unlikely that our own planet is unique in having the physical conditions that permitted sentient beings to evolve.

A There are billions of galaxies in the universe and countless billions of stars, so to many people it seems unlikely that our own planet is unique in having the physical conditions that permitted sentient beings to evolve.

A There are billions of galaxies in the universe and countless billions of stars, so to many people it seems unlikely that our own planet is unique in having the physical conditions that permitted sentient beings to evolve.

It is, therefore, interesting to speculate about the criteria a planet would have to meet in order to sustain life.

Clearly, one of the most important must be a stable star providing a steady source of energy - a sun - to fuel the processes of life.

Clearly, one of the most important must be a stable star providing a steady source of energy - a sun - to fuel the processes of life.

A planet would need an almost circular orbit at a uniform distance from this sun: an elliptical orbit would bring the planet very close to the sun and then take it very far away.

From observing the planets closest to us, it seems that our own solar system provides only a small window of opportunity for life to have a chance. collocation: solar system

B From observing the planets closest to us, it seems that our own solar system provides only a small window of opportunity for life to have a chance.

Moreover, unlike the Earth, it lacks a magnetic field, which is crucial in shielding life from cosmic rays.

It shows signs of erosion caused in the past by some kind of fluid, possibly water.

But so far, findings have proved inconclusive. collocation: prove conclusive / inconclusive

But so far, findings have proved inconclusive.

Until recently, we have confined ourselves to our own solar system in the search for life, partly because we have not had evidence for the existence of other solar systems.

But not long ago, a technique was developed that could ascertain reliably whether stars have planets orbiting them.

At first, the technique could only establish the existence of a very large planet with an elliptical orbit that brought it into close proximity to the star.

At first, the technique could only establish the existence of a very large planet with an elliptical orbit that brought it into close proximity to the star.

South Wales now believe they have pinpointed a planetary system which resembles our own.

For the first time, they have identified a large planet, twice the size of Jupiter, orbiting a star like the sun.

And this is the vital point about their discovery: there is at least a theoretical possibility that smaller planets could be orbiting inside the orbit of this planet.

But even if we do eventually find planets that have physical conditions similar to Earth's, what are the chances that life has actually evolved on them?

Any attempt to answer the question comes up against a fundamental difficulty.

Earth, so when we try to decide how probable it is that life will be found on other planets, we can only make educated guesses.

F There are often voices raised in opposition to the vast sums invested in space research, but Or

Space Institute feels the investment is worthwhile.

Whether or not they sustain life, we will at least be better able to see our own world in relation to the rest of the universe. expression: in relation to alternative definition: in comparison to; seen together with sth else that serves as a background for comparison, evaluation, observation

There is even a possibility that valuable mineral resources could be discovered on these planets and exploited commercially, which would further justify funding exploratory missions.

There is even a possibility that valuable mineral resources could be discovered on these planets and exploited commercially, which would further justify funding exploratory missions. collocation: exploit resources

There is even a possibility that valuable mineral resources could be discovered on these planets and exploited commercially, which would further justify funding exploratory missions.

There is even a possibility that valuable mineral resources could be discovered on these planets and exploited commercially, which would further justify funding exploratory missions.