Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Luke on 02/11/2011 10:30:02

Title: Could a hot Jupiter have moons that support life?
Post by: Luke on 02/11/2011 10:30:02

Luke asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Is there any reason that a hot Jupiter couldn't have a moon system that may support life?

What do you think?

Title: Could a hot Jupiter have moons that support life?
Post by: syhprum on 03/11/2011 06:50:36

It depends why they are hot, if it is because they are newly formed presumably they could be in the Goldilocks zone and their moons could support life but if they are hot because they are close to their star no

Title: Could a hot Jupiter have moons that support life?
Post by: peppercorn on 03/11/2011 17:11:58

Have you been reading Arthur C. Clarke's novel: 2010, Odyssey II.?

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010:_Odyssey_Two - Plot:

"By acting as self-replicating 'von Neumann' machines, these [alien devices spread to engulf the planet, so increasing] Jupiter's density until the planet achieves nuclear fusion, becoming a small star.
...
The book ends with a brief epilogue, which takes place in AD 20,001. By this time, the Europans have evolved into a species that has developed a primitive civilization. They are not described in detail, though they are said to have "tendril"-like limbs. They regard the star Lucifer (formerly the planet Jupiter) as their primary Sun, referring to ours as "The Cold Sun"."