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Chances for Earth-Like Planets and Life Around Metal-Poor Stars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2017

Hans Zinnecker
Hans Zinnecker*
Affiliation:
Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, An der Sternwarte 16, 14482 Potsdam, Germany

Abstract

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We discuss the difficulties of forming earth-like planets in metal-poor environments, such as those prevailing in the Galactic halo (Pop II), the Magellanic Clouds, and the early universe. We suggest that, with fewer heavy elements available, terrestrial planets will be smaller size and lower mass than in our solar system (solar metallicity). Such planets may not be able to sustain life as we know it. Therefore, the chances of very old lifeforms in the universe are slim, and a threshold metallicty (90% solar?) may exist for life to originate on large enough earth-like planets.

Type
Extrasolar Planets
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 213: Bioastronomy 2002: Life Among the stars , 2004 , pp. 45 - 50
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2004 

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