The discussion revolves around the feasibility of cataloging and studying all stars and planets within 100 parsecs by the 22nd century, particularly regarding their habitability. Participants explore the implications of advanced technology and the challenges of identifying non-Earth life forms.
Participants express a mix of agreement and skepticism regarding the feasibility of cataloging stars and planets. While some believe it is possible, others highlight significant challenges and uncertainties, particularly in defining habitability and detecting non-Earth life forms.
Limitations include the assumptions about technological advancements by the 22nd century, the definitions of habitability, and the unresolved challenges in detecting small planets in close proximity to stars.
I've been waiting for them to update their 100 nearest stars list...Nik_2213 said:May I mention http://www.recons.org/
"The purpose of RECONS (REsearch Consortium On Nearby Stars) is to understand the nature of the Sun's nearest stellar neighbors, both individually and as a population. Our primary goals are to discover "missing" members of the stellar sample within 10 parsecs (32.6 light years), and to characterize all stars and their environments within that distance limit." etc etc...
And, by extrapolation, improve estimates of population beyond this 'thoroughly known space'...
Their next Solar Neighborhood (TSN) Series report (#46) should appear soon...
FWIW, whatever the source, I'm hoping for better data on tau Ceti 'f', a sub-neptunian-ish / super-earth in habitable zone. At present, orbital plane error-bars put an uncomfortably wide range on mass and probable composition...