Book 8, Question 57
Why Is Earth Called the Goldilocks Planet?
Earth is called the Goldilocks planet because conditions here are just right! Not too hot, not too cold, so liquid water can stay on the surface. Liquid water is key for life as we know it.
More fun facts
- The habitable zone is the area around a star where it is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water on a planet's surface.
- It is also called the Goldilocks zone, after the girl in the story who wanted things 'just right.'
- Because Earth is our blueprint for life, astronomers search for planets with Earth-like features, like liquid water.
- Kepler-186f is an Earth-size planet found in its star's Goldilocks zone.
- The habitable zone is wider around hotter stars.
Sources: NASA Science, Science News Explores, NASA Science, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
Have scientists found other Goldilocks planets?
Yes. Kepler-186f is one Earth-size planet found in its star's Goldilocks zone.