Different is More: The Value of Finding an Inhabited Planet that is Far From Earth 2.0

摘要: The search for an inhabited planet, other than our own, is a driver of planetary exploration in solar system and beyond. Using information from own planet to inform strategies allows targeted search. It is, however, worth considering some span the strategy priori expectation. An Earth-like one that would be similar Earth ways extend beyond having biota. To facilitate analysis, we introduce metric extends zero, like all regards (i.e., zero differences), toward positive or negative values planets differ Earth. analysis shows how assessment life potential galaxy changes more significantly if find less it quantifies probability assessments improve with deviations Earth-likeness). Discovering such could also provide test strong form Gaia hypothesis - has proved difficult using only as laboratory. Lastly, discuss Earth2.0 narrative, been presented public strategy, comes nostalgia-laden philosophical baggage does not best serve exploration.