How many planets in the universe can support life?

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1.1 billion

1.2 billion

1.3 billion

1.4 billion

answer is D.

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Detailed Solution

Concept: This is a general physics query, and the solution depends on our definition of what constitutes a livable planet. We are aware that rocky planets, or exoplanets, are necessary for planets to be habitable. A planet entirely composed of gases, such as Jupiter or Saturn, has little chance of supporting life.
We must first count all the galaxies in the cosmos in order to determine how many planets there are that are capable of supporting life. The total number of stars in these galaxies will then be roughly estimated. Following this, we get the total number of planets and split them into two groups,
a life-supporting one and a lifeless one.
Any planet orbiting a star in the universe must be located in the star's habitable zone. The area surrounding a star that is neither too hot nor too cold is known as the habitable zone. Since liquid water is regarded as the essential precondition for a planetary system to support life, it is that perfect circumstance in which liquid water can exist on the planet.
The exact number of these planets that harbour life is unknown, but astronomers have estimated that there may be as many as 40 billion Earth-like planets orbiting red dwarfs or other stars in the Milky Way alone, according to data gathered by telescopes around the world as part of the Kepler Space Mission. Astronomers have also estimated that there are around 100 billion galaxies in our universe using the Hubble telescope. This brings the total number of habitable planets to something in the neighbourhood of 1021.
Hence, option (4) is the correct option.

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