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Weird Exoplanet Orbits Could Screw Up Alien Life

astroengine writes "Life is good in the Solar System. We have Jupiter to thank for that. However, if the gas giant's orbit were a little more elliptical, there's every chance that Earth would become rather uncomfortable very quickly. Researchers looking at the zoo of exoplanets orbiting distant stars have simulated several scenarios of differing exoplanet orbits and find that many don't resemble our cozy Solar System. In fact, weird exoplanet orbits may be the deciding factor as to whether extraterrestrial life can form or not."

5 of 161 comments (clear)

  1. Save the aliens! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dear friends,

    The aliens of our galaxy have had a hard life. Please send donations to the buy-a-Jupiter-for-the-aliens fund. Your help is greatly appreciated.

  2. Weird Exoplanets by Thanshin · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Captain. The orbit in this exoplanet is a bit weird. Summer might get be a bit warm"

    "Let's surf in the beach, warm? Or Today we all stay in the fridge, warm."

    "Sir, it'll be Hold your rifle with extended arms so the metal drops don't make holes in your boots, warm."

  3. Re:Life adapts by Thanshin · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you lived on tropical shore where the climate was practically unchanging from day to day throughout the year, it would probably be hard to imagine life could exist in Canada.

    Have you been in Canada? It's pretty hard to imagine life can exist there, wherever you're from.

    I'm pretty sure they all migrated to some warmer place as soon as I left the country, only to return and scare the next tourists with stories about actually living there.

  4. Re:"Weird"? by camperdave · · Score: 4, Funny

    Maybe they feel dizzy in stable orbits, like pirates in firm land.

    Ah! That would explain why they drink copious amounts of rum; to keep the land "unsteady".

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  5. Re:"Weird"? by corbettw · · Score: 4, Funny

    I wonder if there's a way to handle creatures like that from far away? Like, in orbit. You know, just to be sure.

    --
    God invented whiskey so the Irish would not rule the world.