the solar system seeds 6th

the solar system seeds 6th

You've most likely heard the story of Goldilocks. This fairy tale pretty much describes all the planets that have been found in our solar system...too hot or too cold...never just right...until now.

Astronomers have discovered a new planet in an area outside of our own solar system, which is sometimes called the Goldilocks zone. It has been dubbed this because of its life-friendly characteristics and now a planet, very similar to Earth, has been discovered there. Astronomers have actually discovered nearly 500 other planets outside of our solar system, but only one, so far, that they feel could harbor life, be it in one-cell organisms or the much more complex cell structures of human-beings or other animals.

It is by no means perfect. It is closer to its sun, being only 14 million miles away instead of 93 million miles as we on earth are from our own sun. That means it orbits every 37 days, rather than every 365 days, but it also does not rotate on its axis as the earth does. So, one side is always dark and one side is always light. And parts of the planet can be as hot as 160°F, while some areas can be -25°F. But, the areas in between are the areas that interest scientists. They believe parts of this planet could be similar to the climate in Southern California, all the time.

At this point in time, it's impossible to say whether or not there is actually water on this planet, but astronomers are just happy that the conditions for liquid water, as opposed to ice or gas, are present and where there is water, there is always life. Co-discoverer Steven Vogt of the University of California at Santa Cruz has stated that "...chances for life on this planet are 100 percent." That kind of statement from the scientific community has never been made before.

Vogt also said that this planet is "like right in our face, right next door to us". It is ONLY 120 trillion miles away. The truth is that it would take several generations for a space flight to get there. Maybe we should start now. Between population growth and global warming or global cooling, depending upon what "camp" you side with, our great-great grandchildren may need a place to go to.

The name of this planet? Since it circles a star, or sun, called Gliese 581, and since it is the sixth planet from this sun, it is designated as Gliese 581g, with the star itself being designated Gliese 581a. It is in the Libra constellation, which may be prophetic in and of itself. Libra is, in the zodiac, portrayed by the scales, a sign of equality and balance. Traditional traits of Libra on the light, or positive, side are: diplomatic & urbane, romantic & charming, easygoing & sociable and idealistic & peaceable. More on the dark side Libra is indecisive & changeable, gullible & easily influenced and flirtatious and self-indulgent. Will planet Gliese 581g turn out to be some or all of these things?

Stay tuned for future developments. In the mean time, for lack of a more romantic name, Vogt prefers to call it Zarmina's World, after his wife.

Sammy is a freelance writer who sometimes writes copy for Garden Harvest Supply, her single most valuable online resource for home and garden supplies.They have everything from vegetable seeds to cold frame kits. Check them out!

6th Eye aka Quasar Consciousness & Neoism