Why Hart Found Narrow Ecospheres—A Minor Science Mystery Solved

Why Hart Found Narrow Ecospheres—A Minor Science Mystery Solved

Author:

Levenson

Abstract:

Aims:

To explain why two NASA computer simulation studies in the 1970s (Hart, 1978, 1979) briefly rocked the subfield of astrobiology and SETI studies by showing very narrow habitable zones (HZs) for solar-type stars. Although other studies later supported wider HZs, it was never clear why the Hart simulations found the narrow limits they did.

Results:

Investigation of the state of climate studies and radiative transfer models in the period 1960–1970 provides a likely explanation.

Conclusion:

Hart's findings were in line with earlier results, preventing him from noticing that his radiation model was inadequate.

First Exoplanet was Detected in....1917

Recognition of the First Observational Evidence of an Extrasolar Planetary System

Author:

Zuckerman

Abstract:

With 20-20 hindsight, it is now possible to say that the first observational indication -- by any means -- of the existence of an extrasolar planetary system came almost a century ago when van Maanen discovered and noted the spectrum of the nearest single white dwarf to Earth.