New study challenges Jupiter's role as planetary shield, protecting Earth from comet impacts
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 12:02
in Astronomy & Space
Not only is the 'Jupiter as shield' concept, implying that the planet shields Earth from comet impacts, not true, but perhaps Jupiter's most important role in fostering the development of life on Earth was just the opposite -- delivering the volatile materials from the outer Solar System needed for life to form. This new simulation study, and the previously underestimated role that Saturn may have also played in the evolution of life on Earth.