Life In Our Solar System Flashcards
What do we require for life?
- A source of molecules to build living cells
- Source of energy to fuel metabolism
- Liquid medium preferably water to transport molicules
Why is there no life on the moon or mercury?
- wide rang of temperature
- little to no atmosphere
- no liquid water
What is the surface temperature of Venus?
470C
What do we know about life on the Jovian planets?
- Neptune and Uranus may contain liquid water
- Otherwise not suitable for life as we know it
What do we know about mars that may assist with life?
- Has seasons
- polar caps grow with CO2 and water ice
What is the tallest mountain in our solar system?
Olympus on mars
What is some evidence of liquid water on mars
- river valleys
- evidence of sedimentary rock
- hydrated minerals such as clay/sulphates/silica
-found ice under the surface
Landslides likely from melting water from the poles
What is the most volcanic body in our solar system?
Lo Jupiter moon
How does water on Europa stay liquid?
Probably tidal heating.
What are some candidates for energy on Europa?
- Volcanoes
- Tidal heating
- High energy particularly from Jupiter crash to the surface
What is the source of Europas magnetic field?
Large salty ocean
Is Europa capable of having the molecules for life
Yes
What is the largest moon in the solar system?
Ganymede
What could be the source of the magnetic field on Ganymede?
Large salty ocean
What is significant about Callisto
May have water ocean
