Exploring the Solar System


Earth
How did life get started on Earth? Where did it come from? Looking out at other planets may give clues to what might have happened once-upon-a-time on Earth.

When Solar System scientists got together to discuss how Jupiter's mammoth atmospheric storms, Martian soils and evidence of lakes on Venus relate to the search for life's origins, they decided they have only glimpsed what may be Out There. They wanted to do more.

Ancient inner planets. Scientists have discovered that Mars, Earth's nearest planet neighbor, once had more atmosphere. Martian soils show that lakes and deep rivers once covered the Red Planet. Evidence of lakes on Venus suggests that in ancient times the Solar System's inner planets had an abundant water supply -- probably a necessary condition for life.

Large storms seen on Jupiter suggest a natural laboratory for chemical evolution. Scientists also have found oceans of something on Jupiter's satellite Europa.

Such discoveries help trace the origins of Earth, the Solar System and life itself. Interplanetary probes visiting the Sun, Venus Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and its moon Titan may help explain the origin of life.



Solar System: The Sun
Inner System: Mercury Venus Earth Mars
Outer System: Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto
Other Bodies: Moons Rings Asteroids Comets

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