Life evolving on a planet revolving a red dwarf?

In summary, Red dwarfs may have a suitable frequency band for photosynthesis but a planet in their habitable zone would need to be in a special orbit. The free energy gap would be narrower, suggesting only simple life, but if the planet had tectonics and midocean rifts, life could still exist. However, these planets are considered to be rare, and may only have bacteria, not suitable for human life. The conditions for life are not fully known and it is possible that life could exist in ways we do not yet understand. The long lifespan of red dwarfs increases the chances of life evolving, but a narrow habitable zone may also make it difficult for life to arise. Overall, red dwarfs may present
  • #1
Gold Barz
467
0
Could it happen or is it very unlikely?
 
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  • #2
Well I would think the most intense frequency band from a red dwarf would be suilable for photosynthesis, since it uses photons in the deep red frequency band. The planet would have to be in a very special orbit, since the habitable zone would be much narrower than that for a G-type like the Sun.

The free energy gap between the incoming radiation from the star and the outgoing infrared of the heated planet would be much narrower too, which would suggest only simple life. Of course if the planet had live tectonics and midocean rifts to supply free energy, all bets are off.
 
  • #3
So do you think these planets are out there in the galaxy, many of them?

Also, there is another question in the PM I sent you...thanks.
 
  • #4
As I replied in the PM, I think these planets would be extemely rare. And I'm talking about planets with some bacteria, not comfortable planets for humans.
 
  • #5
It seems to me that there are very few conditions under which life can't develop. To start with, nothing is said about the basis of that life. It could use a sulphur metabolism, or be silicon based, or maybe even a plasma field with a coherent internal 'neurology' based upon charge exchanges. Just looking at Earth, who would suspect that one lifeform evolved living on the brink of undersea volcanic vents or that some lichen thingie is happy at subzero temperatures with no air? The life span of a red dwarf is so long that trillions of experimental attempts by random molecules to join into 'life' can take place. It's entirely possible that at least one of them is viable.
 
  • #6
So, life is against all odds then in the galaxy because...red dwarfs make up like 4 out of 5 planets in the galaxy and 60% of the stars are in binary systems.
 
  • #7
Gold Barz said:
So, life is against all odds then in the galaxy because...red dwarfs make up like 4 out of 5 planets in the galaxy and 60% of the stars are in binary systems.
There is life on Earth, and there has been for about 75% of its existence.

A red dwarf might have a smaller habitable zone, but a long quiescent lifetime might allow life to arise and develop at a rate similar to, or perhaps superior to, the emergence of life around our own star, adjusted for the lifetime of the star.
 
  • #8
But if it has a very narrow habitable zone then it could last for gazillions of years and still not have life evolve because there is no planet in that narrow habitable zone.
 

1. How does the presence of a red dwarf star affect the evolution of life on a planet?

The presence of a red dwarf star can significantly impact the evolution of life on a planet. These stars are smaller and cooler than our sun, which means that planets need to be much closer to receive the same amount of heat and light. This results in planets orbiting red dwarfs being tidally locked, with one side always facing the star and the other in perpetual darkness. This can have a major impact on the planet's climate and atmosphere, which can greatly affect the evolution of life.

2. Can life evolve on a planet orbiting a red dwarf?

Yes, it is possible for life to evolve on a planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Despite the challenges presented by the star's unique characteristics, some scientists believe that red dwarf planets could potentially support life. In fact, red dwarfs are the most common type of star in our galaxy, which means there could be a large number of potentially habitable planets orbiting them.

3. Is the habitable zone around a red dwarf different from that around a sun-like star?

Yes, the habitable zone around a red dwarf is different from that around a sun-like star. The habitable zone is the area around a star where a planet can maintain liquid water on its surface, which is essential for life as we know it. Due to the lower energy output of red dwarfs, their habitable zones are closer to the star, and planets must orbit much closer to receive the same amount of heat and light.

4. What kind of planets are more likely to support life around a red dwarf?

Planets that are closer to the red dwarf star and have a thick atmosphere are more likely to support life. Being closer to the star means that the planet can receive enough heat and light to support liquid water on its surface. A thick atmosphere is also important as it can help regulate the planet's temperature and protect it from harmful radiation from the star.

5. Are there any potential challenges for life on a planet orbiting a red dwarf?

Yes, there are several potential challenges for life on a planet orbiting a red dwarf. These include extreme temperature variations, strong winds, and high levels of radiation. The tidally locked nature of these planets can also result in a lack of day-night cycles, which could have implications for the development of certain organisms that rely on light cues for their biological processes.

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