Earth is not unique: there may be millions of its copies in the universe

A thousand computer simulations have shown that Earth-like planets can arise naturally, not as a result of a unique set of circumstances. Researchers allowed virtual systems to develop under various initial conditions. The results showed that the formation of a rocky Earth-type planet at a distance of one astronomical unit from a star is a natural outcome of evolution.

New computer modeling based on a thousand simulations has shown that planets similar to Earth in location and key characteristics can regularly emerge in the natural development of planetary systems. Unlike previous models, researchers did not try to reproduce the known structure of the Solar System, but allowed virtual systems to develop under various initial conditions. The results showed that the formation of a planet at a distance of approximately one astronomical unit from a star is a completely natural result of evolution. Analogs of Venus appeared in about 28% of simulations. However, the authors emphasize that an Earth-sized planet and its location in the habitable zone do not yet make it a second Earth—atmosphere, temperature, water availability, and other conditions are important for life. The study changes the understanding of the first necessary condition—the emergence of the most suitable rocky planet.