Life on Mars not possible, Oklahoma professor says
Ashley Wolford/Contributing Writer
Issue date: 3/23/05 Section: News
Scientific research so far suggests that Mars cannot sustain life as known on Earth because Mars lacks characteristics that allow for life on Earth, Dr. Gordon Emslie, associate research vice president and graduate college dean at Oklahoma State University, said in a speech last week.
Emslie's speech titled Spinning Pliers, The Chaotic Obliquity of Mars, and the Existence of Extraterrestrial Life involved aspects of physics, probability, statistics, and a consideration of Earth's planetary features.
Emslie described the characteristics of a suitable planet for life. Characterisitics include the distance of the planet from the nearest star. If the star is too close, the planet's climate will be too hot. If the star is too far away, the planet's climate will be too cold: neither instance will sustain life.
The planet's rotation rate must be moderate as well. If the rate is too slow, then light and heat from the star will burn one side of the planet while other side freezes, Emslie said.
Chemical composition is important because without the right chemicals life cannot form, Emslie said.
Another significant reason for the life on earth is that the Earth's rotation axis is remarkably stable. The moon stabilizes the Earth, Emslie said.
"Many planets have moons. Mars has a moon. But the Earth's moon is fairly unique," he said.
The moon's size is more than one-sixth the size of the earth. Earth is so stable because it has a uniquely large moon, which is uncommon.
The moon is as necessary to life on Earth as the sun is known to be, Emslie said.
"Our moon is unique, so may be our civilization," he said.
Emslie's speech was sponsored by the Harlow Shapley visiting lecture program. Dr. Richard Olenick, physics professor, introduced Emslie to the audience.
Emslie's speech titled Spinning Pliers, The Chaotic Obliquity of Mars, and the Existence of Extraterrestrial Life involved aspects of physics, probability, statistics, and a consideration of Earth's planetary features.
Emslie described the characteristics of a suitable planet for life. Characterisitics include the distance of the planet from the nearest star. If the star is too close, the planet's climate will be too hot. If the star is too far away, the planet's climate will be too cold: neither instance will sustain life.
The planet's rotation rate must be moderate as well. If the rate is too slow, then light and heat from the star will burn one side of the planet while other side freezes, Emslie said.
Chemical composition is important because without the right chemicals life cannot form, Emslie said.
Another significant reason for the life on earth is that the Earth's rotation axis is remarkably stable. The moon stabilizes the Earth, Emslie said.
"Many planets have moons. Mars has a moon. But the Earth's moon is fairly unique," he said.
The moon's size is more than one-sixth the size of the earth. Earth is so stable because it has a uniquely large moon, which is uncommon.
The moon is as necessary to life on Earth as the sun is known to be, Emslie said.
"Our moon is unique, so may be our civilization," he said.
Emslie's speech was sponsored by the Harlow Shapley visiting lecture program. Dr. Richard Olenick, physics professor, introduced Emslie to the audience.