The findings of a new study funded by the US Aerospace Agency (NASA) were presented at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference.
The research revealed that the atmospheres of planets with a tilted axis around their stars are more likely to have oxygen, which is key to life known to man.
“Worlds with reasonably tilted axes are more likely to develop complex life. This will help us limit our search for complex, perhaps even intelligent, life forms in the universe,” said Stephanie Olson of Purdue University, who led the study.
During a sophisticated modeling study of the conditions for oxygen production on Earth, scientists discovered the effect of axial tilt on oxygen production.
DIFFERENCES CREATED BY AXIS SWITCH
Changes in Mars’ axial tilt
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During the modeling study, experts found that the Earth’s rotation rate slowed due to its axial tilt, the days were longer, the continents were developing, the surface pressure was increasing, and the ocean currents were changing in a way that could increase oxygen production.
Astronomers think that the distance of a planet from its star indicates whether it is favorable for life.
It is assumed that liquid water may exist on the surface of a planet located in the Goldilocks Zone in terms of its star position.
It is known that oxygen is critical for complex life forms such as plants and animals.
Earth’s axial tilt of 23 degrees also has a significant effect on the formation of the seasons.
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