About This Project

With an increasing number of exoplanets being discovered it's evident that the variety and diversity of exoplanets is limitless. In order to better understand what types of life may arise on exoplanets, it is important to be able to study the effects of different environments on life as we know it. Planets similar to earth, but larger in size and gravity could still harbor life. This study looks at how higher gravity environments combined with earths gravity affect plant cell growth.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

This project will explore one aspect of how different environments not common on earth can effect the way biological systems operate. With the Spitzer telescope discovering planets dubbed "super earths" (http://iopscience.iop.org/arti...) it is becoming apparent that planets exactly the size of earth or close, is rare. Therefore, it is important to better define the boundaries at which life can still flourish. In this study we will explore the gravitational boundaries for life to exist.

What is the significance of this project?

Understanding the upper boundaries of life when it comes to gravity will allow astronomers to narrow their search for the chemical signatures of life to those planets that are within the size considered habitable from a gravitational point of view.

What are the goals of the project?

The goal of this project is to test the germination of seeds at various levels of continuous gravitational exposure. We would like to explore the upper limits at which the seeds will germinate, if such a limit exists. We will test germination time, seed and leaf size, and other factors to determine what effects, if any can be documented.