Instructions
Scientists have recently discovered a planet named Kepler-186f. This planet is special because it is similar in size to Earth and is in a habitable zone. In this assessment, you will look at what is currently known about the planet, what can be inferred from it, and how to learn more about it.
Task 1: The habitable zone
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?
Success Criteria:
• I wrote full sentences in paragraph form
• I explained four facts scientists would need to determine about Kepler-186f
• I explained how this information would help to conclude if it could support life or not
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B) Moons on Kepler-186f
Scientists do not yet know whether Kepler-186f has any moons. It would be important to determine whether this is the case, since our moon plays such an important role for us here on Earth.
State and explain three (3) roles that our moon plays that may also be potential roles that one would play on Kepler-186f.
Success Criteria:
• I explained three roles that our moon plays on Earth
• I explained the impact each roles has for those on the planet
C) Kepler-186f’s central star
Kepler-186f orbits a central star known as a red dwarf. Red dwarf stars are much smaller than our sun and are, overall, lower in temperature. The process of fusion occurs more slowly in a red dwarf and takes place all over – not just at the core – maintaining the lower temperature for longer periods of time compared to our sun.
-Identify the element that makes up the initial composition of the star.
– Explain the process of fusion between these atoms that occurs in all stars.
D) Discovering more about Kepler-186f
The ideal way to discover more about a planet is for humans to visit it. They can then collect samples and conduct any necessary experiments. Space travel for humans can be dangerous, though, and a decision on whether it is appropriate must be carefully weighed to determine whether it is worth the risk.
What are some health risks astronauts face during space travel?
Kepler-186f is approximately 490 light years away, which means that it would take a spacecraft moving at the speed of light about 500 years to reach it. It is therefore impossible to send people to the planet. Suggest other ways in which scientists can continue to discover more about this planet
