ABSTRACT
Earth’s highly unusual traits are examined. In particular, the role of Earth’s geochemistry and climate in generating a life-sustaining environment is considered, and several of the processes and cosmological events that influence our planet’s geochemistry and climate are reviewed. In addition, our planet’s unusual plate tectonic activity and the magnetosphere this activity produces are analyzed in relation to the development of life. The likelihood that similar events and processes produced other Earth-like planets is also contemplated. To illustrate some of the nuanced subtleties that give rise to Earth-like planets, the properties of Mars and Venus, Earth’s barren, nearest neighbors are analyzed. The probability that there are other nearby, Earth-like planets that might support life is also considered, and the challenges associated with traveling to or interacting with these worlds are explored.
