TNRTB Archive - Retained for reference information
A new finding indicates that our solar system is well designed for life. Japanese astronomers discover the first extrasolar planet found orbiting a giant star. The 1.6-3.0 solar mass star is near the end of its burning life, has a diameter at least 11 times that of the sun’s, and is 59 times more luminous than the sun. The planet is at least 6.3 Jupiter masses and orbits its star about the same distance Venus is from the sun. While the position and mass of this planet relative to its star makes this system unsuitable for life, the planet, unlike other extrasolar planets that are relatively far from their stars, does have a nearly circular orbit (one requirement for life). However, the circular orbit may not be indigenous. If the star is well into the red giant stage of its evolution, then tidal effects will circularize the orbits of any large planets. The more astronomers learn about extrasolar planets, the more special the solar system appears in its capacity to support life.
Bun’ei Sato, et al, “A Planetary Companion to the G-Type Giant Star HD 104985,” Astrophysical Journal Letters, 597 (2003), pp. L157-L160.
http://www.phys.psu.edu/~rick/MATH/ExoplanetPaper.pdf
RTB articles: Hugh Ross, “Anthropic Principle: A Precise Plan for Humanity,” Facts for Faith, quarter 1, 2002, issue 8, pp. 24-31.
RTB video: Journey Toward Creation, 2nd edition
RTB book: The Creator and the Cosmos, 3rd edition
