• Kepler-186f is said to sit in the habitable zone. This means that it can support life - although scientists are not sure whether this is in fact the case. What do scientists need to discover about the planet to be able to conclude that it could support life? Explain four facts scientists would need to determine about Kepler-186 and how this information would help to conclude if it could support life or not.

 

Four things scientists would need to discover to conclude that Kepler-186f is habitable would be:

1) Presence of water. Organisms are made up of cells (or a cell for unicellular organisms) that need water as a component and as a medium for transport of nutrients. Water has to be available to support life.

2) Right atmosphere. Kepler-186f should have an atmosphere that is capable of blocking harmful radiation whilst providing nutrients such as nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide which are necessary for life to exist. Insulation of an atmosphere might be necessary to support life.

3) Enough sunlight or other energy source. Scientist has to know whether Kepler-186f receives enough radiation because organisms could use this energy as fuel for chemical and biological processes. This is similar to plants utilizing the sun to produce sugar and oxygen as by-product.

4) Nutrients. Kepler-186f has to have nutrients such as nitrogen which supports life. Nitrogen is essential to build amino acids which help build and maintain the body of the organism. The nutrients should be cycled and replenished to make the place more suitable for life.

Step-by-step explanation

Certain conditions are necessary to make life (similar to Earth) thrive in other heavenly bodies. Included are water, atmosphere, sunlight or other source of energy (chemical energy) and nutrients.