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Astronomy/Neptune
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Question
Let me preface this by saying I have little to no astronomy experience, save
what I've seen on The History Channel's "The Universe." I know that the
current climate and conditions on Neptune are not conducive to life, but I've
also read about a migration theory that proposes Neptune, many years ago,
was closer to the sun and may have migrated outwards to its current position.
What is the feasibility, if any, of life existing in the planet's past, particularly
when it was closer to the sun? Is it even possible that, assuming the
migration theory is correct, Neptune harbored life? Could the planet's
conditions, at some point in its vast history, have been even remotely similar
to Earth's?
I appreciate your time and look forward to response.
Well, this is all hypothetical....
At a point in time when Neptune MAY have been closer, the planet could have been in molton form, which of course could not harbor life. But many things would have been different then, so it is very hard to say.
Steve
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Answers by Expert:
Steven LJ Russo
Expertise
As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.
Experience
Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.
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