Life possible on other planets or moons

Exploring the potential for life beyond Earth.

Image of planets and moons in the solar system

Visual representation of celestial bodies to study habitability.

Key ingredient for life: Energy

Energy is needed to power biological processes and sustain life.

Reflect on key ingredients for life

Consider how each ingredient contributes to the potential for life on a planet or moon.

Explain your decision

Provide a rationale for your assessment of a planet or moon's habitability.

Candidates for life in the solar system

Identify potential planets or moons that could support life based on key ingredients.

Properties of Earth that make it habitable

Carbon and other important life-forming elements

Spiral diagram showing geological time scale with eras, periods, and significant evolutionary events.

The diagram illustrates the geological time scale, highlighting major eras and periods, along with key evolutionary milestones such as the appearance of the first cells and dinosaurs.

The Cretaceous Period ended about 65 million years ago and is marked by the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The Cenozoic Era, starting 66 million years ago, is known as the "Age of Mammals."

The Devonian Period, known as the "Age of Fishes," occurred approximately 419 to 359 million years ago.

The Ordovician Period, from about 485 to 443 million years ago, is known for diverse marine life.

The Mississippian Period, part of the Carboniferous, is known for extensive limestone deposits and occurred around 359 to 323 million years ago.

The Pennsylvanian Period, also part of the Carboniferous, is known for vast coal swamps and occurred around 323 to 299 million years ago.

The Eocene Epoch, occurring from about 56 to 34 million years ago, saw the rise of early mammals.

The Miocene Epoch, occurring from about 23 to 5 million years ago, saw the spread of grasslands and the evolution of many modern mammal families.

The Pliocene Epoch, from about 5 to 2.6 million years ago, is known for the appearance of early hominins.

4.6 Billion Years Ago

Earth formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago.

The Earth rotates on its axis.

The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours.

The axis always points in the same direction.

This consistent orientation affects seasonal changes.

In December, the Sun shines directly on the Southern Hemisphere.

This direct sunlight results in warmer temperatures in the south.

In March, it's fall south of the equator and spring north of the equator.

The equinox marks a transition in seasons.

In March, the Sun shines equally on the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

This equal distribution of sunlight results in moderate temperatures.

Factors for Habitability Flashcards

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30 questions

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1.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

What makes a world habitable

Back

Factors that make a planet or moon a good home for living things.

2.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

The Solar System consists of the Sun and the celestial bodies that orbit it, including eight planets and their moons.

Back