Episode 1: Aurelia Extraterrestrial (TV documentary)

1 episode 1: aurelia

1.1 planetary concept

1.1.1 traditional assumptions tested


1.2 lifeforms of aurelia

episode 1: aurelia

the first episode of series focused on aurelia, hypothetical earth-sized extrasolar planet orbiting red dwarf star in our local area of milky way.

planetary concept

the scientists on project theorized aiming tpf @ red dwarf star might yield best opportunities seeing smaller planets. due slow rate @ burn hydrogen, red dwarfs have enormous estimated lifespan, allowing plenty of time life evolve on surrounding planets. also, red dwarfs common in universe. therefore, if support habitable planets, substantially increases chances of finding life in universe. however, being dimmer other stars, harder detect planetary systems around them. in addition, lower gravity limit potential size of system. discovery of gliese 581g raises hopes of finding more red dwarf systems, including potentially habitable ones.

however, dwarf s smaller nature , fainter heat/light output mean such planet need particularly close star s surface. cost of such orbit earth-sized body become tidally locked. when happens, object presents same face parent @ times orbits, moon earth (more technically, 1 sidereal day equal 1 year orbiting body).

traditional scientific theories proposed such tidally locked planet might incapable of holding on atmosphere. having such slow rotation weaken magnetic effect protects atmosphere being blown away solar wind (see rare earth hypothesis).

traditional assumptions tested

nonetheless, scientists employed programme decided test traditional assumptions such planet , start model out protoplanetary disk through eventual death. estimations suggested such planet indeed hold on atmosphere, although freakishly unusual results earth standards. aurelia gravitationally locked. due this, aurelia not have seasons or day/night cycle, half in perpetual darkness, permanent ice age. other half contain giant, unending hurricane permanent torrential rain @ point directly opposite local star. between these 2 zones, suitable life.

the giant hurricane might generate enormous waves in ocean, migrate outwards. wind-driven , not reach top of ocean bottom, tsunami does. nonetheless, waves big , devastating humans call freak waves might regular. simple bacterial , algal life not threatened.

lifeforms of aurelia

in continued speculation, , assuming there land in habitable zone, form large networks of river deltas , swampland, due rain runoff nearby storm.

at far end of assumptions aurelia attempts construct lifeforms based on earthly evolutionary models , how ecosystems might develop. scientists assumptions included idea long life of red dwarf allows evolution fine-tune ecosystem on planet. scientists involved in project hypothesized vast majority, if not all, of extra-solar biology carbon-based.

this assumption referred critics carbon chauvinism, may possible life form not based on carbon.

from carbon-based hypothesis scientific team assumed form of staple photosynthesizing animal/plant combination principal autotroph. decided upon plant-like creature called stinger fan. has 5 hearts , limited mobility. fan-like leaves trap red dwarf star s energy produce sugars. hearts pump them around body.

feeding upon stinger fans six-legged semi-amphibious beaver creatures called mudpods. use long, continually growing thumb claws cut down stinger fan , dam river systems, creating artificial lagoons , swamps provide safety predators. upon animal, large emu-like animal, gulphog, main predator. these 2 meter tall carnivores live socially in packs, , display promising signs of intelligence. finally, there second semi-amphibious creature called hysteria - cross between plague of tadpoles , piranha. these tiny, orange creatures can collect (in manner similar slime molds) , form 1 huge super-organism, moving banks paralyze , consume other animals. scabian slugs live water can fall victim hysteria, can take large gulphog satisfy them.

the planet s ecosystem suffers number of particular peculiarities, notably evolutionary quirks allow living organisms detect , avoid solar flares. red dwarf stars unstable , eject frequent solar flares. such intense ultraviolet radiation deadly carbon-based life forms breaks down atomic bonds formed organic compounds. gulphogs have adapted having ultraviolet light sensitive eye on top of heads. stinger fans fold protect themselves. mudpods have sensitive backs can sense ultraviolet rays. hysteria s adaption unknown. however, flare stage might when red dwarfs relatively young.