New Delhi :
Indian-American scientist pair has hinted at the possibility of finding Earth-like planets in ancient star clusters. These ancient star clusters called Globular Clusters, exist in galactic fringes.
For many years, the question about the existence of extra-terrestrial life in the outer space has always confounded scientists worldwide. The giant galaxy Milky Way is said to have around 150 clusters and millions of stars can exist in a cluster that spans just 900 trillion kilometres.
Putting forward their astronomical conviction, Dr. Alak K. Ray of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai and Dr. Rosanne Di Stefano of Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics have argued that properties of globular clusters that make them seem prohibitive to life, could in fact favour its existence.
At the 227th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, the scientists are putting forward their findings and theories which raise concern over the clusters which can pose a challenge for the habitability of the planets. These stars, possessing strong gravitational forces are close to each other, the power of the force is so much that it can rip the solar systems apart.
The scientists’ findings throw a light on their simulations which show habitable zones believed to be sustainable on a long term in globular clusters.
Dr. Di Stefano also said that clusters might be the first place in Milky Way where intelligent species could be found.
Part search results in clusters have yielded just one planet orbiting a double star system. And these clusters may prove to be possible homes for life.
The scientists also pointed out that formation of Earth-like planets does not mandate a metal-rich star like Sun as several other planets have also been found outside the solar system orbiting stars that are chemically poor compared to the Sun.
Who would not want to reside among stars for that matter? It would be great for the earthlings to find out any earth-like planet in the solar system. So, now you can imagine life in these globular clusters, if found.
