The Privileged Planet

Kevin Kim

What are the chances that there would be a planet that has the same conditions as Earth? Surely, in this expanding universe filled with thousands of galaxies that also harbor a myriad of planets and suns, there would be a similar planet like Earth; but, do they have the same exact conditions as Earth?

Recently, during B-Block Senior Apologetics class, Mr. Brewster has shown the class a video called, The Privileged Planet. This documentary is about how finding a planet that sustains life like Earth is almost impossible because there are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration. For example, there is a certain distance away from the sun that is just right for life to exist on a planet. What the video astounded most people is that Earth happens to be placed where we are able to observe distant stars and galaxies; Earth is located perfectly in the Milky Way Galaxy as it isn’t too near to the core of the galaxy or too distant from the core of the galaxy.

“I think it’s pretty cool because I believe in God and that makes it special – special in a way that God has provided a world just for us,” remarked Jonathan Lafferty (12), an avid listener in Mr. Brewster’s Apologetics class.

Another surprising factor is that changing one value in Earth’s gravity could result in a catastrophic disorder. This change in natural gravity could affect the way particles behave – all the bonds between protons and electrons would change and result in instability. Changing one value would likely hinder life on Earth as it directly affects other constants that are seen and used on Earth.

“I actually never knew that one value would result in the hindrance of sustaining life on a planet; I see these kinds of values in science classes, but I never realize that they are crucial in cultivating life on Earth,” said Jerome Ramirez (12).

With all these factors taken into place, especially considering that the Earth seems like it has been perfectly designed and placed at the right location in space, it certainly does feel as if Earth truly is the privileged planet, being different from the other planets we know of. For skeptics, this could point to supernatural being that is capable of perfectly designing the universe we now live in.