Home >> Science & Nature >> Astronomy

The Planet With the Atmosphere Most Similar to the Earth's

Planets have to be in an ideal orbital position around their sun to support an Earth-like atmosphere. Venus is the closest counterpart in our own system with regard to atmosphere, and scientists have discovered planets within our galaxy that may have atmospheres like Earth's.

The Goldilocks Zone
- Planets with Earth-like atmospheres would have to exist in what's dubbed the "Goldilocks Zone." A planet can't be too hot or too cold to support life. A planet's size and orbit around its sun determines whether it's in the Goldilocks Zone, which indicates that it has the potential to support liquid water and a breathable atmosphere.
Venus
- Scientists point to Venus as the closest counterpart to Earth in our system, believing that Venus had oceans at one time. Venus' atmosphere now consists of 95 percent carbon dioxide and the planet has no surface water. Scientists hope that by studying Venus' atmosphere, they'll gain an understanding of how carbon dioxide buildup affects our own planet.
Gliese 581g
- Gliese 581g orbits a red dwarf star 20 light years from Earth, and is situated within the Goldilocks Zone. Astronomer Steve Vogt of the University of California speculates that the planet's presence may indicate that 10 to 20 percent of all stars could support habitable planets.

Astronomy