Why do we send probes and rovers to explore the Solar System, especially Mars? It costs a lot of money and is not easy. We want to solve the mystery of our universe.
One big reason is to find life beyond Earth. It is unsettling to think that Earth might be the only planet with life.
We mainly search for life on Mars and some moons in our Solar System that have ice and oceans. Venus is also interesting, even though it is very hot and seems unlivable.
Venus and Earth are similar in size and make-up. Both planets lie in the habitable zone where conditions could allow life. However, Earth has a friendly climate, while Venus has an extreme greenhouse effect.
Scientists believe that Venus could have had water in the past, which is important for life. They think that if life began on Venus, it might still exist in its clouds today.
A new idea called the Venus Life Equation helps scientists study the chances of life there.
This equation includes three parts: Origination, Robustness, and Continuity. These factors help us understand the possibilities of life on Venus and other planets.
Vocabulary List:
Exploration /ɪkˌsplɔːrˈeɪʃən/ (noun): The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.
Mystery /ˈmɪs.tə.ri/ (noun): Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
Habitable /ˈhæb.ɪ.tə.bəl/ (adjective): Suitable for living in.
Greenhouse /ˈɡriːn.haʊs/ (noun): A building with glass walls and a glass roof for growing plants in.
Origination /əˌrɪdʒ.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The beginning or creation of something.
Robustness /roʊˈbʌst.nəs/ (noun): The quality of being strong and healthy.
