07-01-2015, 09:26 PM
It was certainly something I was taught as a student, but this is science, as we learn things theories and ideas change, usually subtly (like this one about Jupiter) and occasionally rather more abruptly (the evidence that the universe is not only continuing to expand, but actually accelerating continues to befuddle me), but we go with the evidence. The stuff I posted about Jupiter hasn't actually been confirmed, it comes from some rather extensive computer modelling, and am happy to share the references if anyone is interested.
It also seems Jupiter might have prevented so-called super earths forming in the solar system. We see those objects orbiting other stars but not our sun. Jupiter may be the reason:
http://astronomynow.com/2015/03/25/wande...ar-system/
It's not conclusive and there may be selection effects in play here (i.e., it's much easier to detect more massive exoplanets than earth-sized planets), but it's interesting stuff.
I realize we're getting way off Puna stuff here, but think it's good that people have an idea of what they're looking at and how significant it might be to our existence.
It also seems Jupiter might have prevented so-called super earths forming in the solar system. We see those objects orbiting other stars but not our sun. Jupiter may be the reason:
http://astronomynow.com/2015/03/25/wande...ar-system/
It's not conclusive and there may be selection effects in play here (i.e., it's much easier to detect more massive exoplanets than earth-sized planets), but it's interesting stuff.
I realize we're getting way off Puna stuff here, but think it's good that people have an idea of what they're looking at and how significant it might be to our existence.