I am writing a space opera and envisage a world orbiting a Sol-type star. The world is Mars-like, but of a size more commensurate with Earth, approx 400-500 million kilometres from its star (as comparison, Earth is 150 and Mars is an average of 228 million kilometres from our sun).
I am assuming that distance from its star means any water on the surface would not be in liquid form, but what about atmosphere in general? My world has enough gravity to retain one, but I am a bit vague about what that might be – apart from lacking oxygen. I would prefer to avoid Titan-like conditions.
What I would like are conditions that would respond nicely in time to application of a new heat source and seeding the planet with oxygen producing life.
While this is a practice exercise for me, I’d still like to avoid scientific howlers, so any input those with a better scientific grasp can provide would be very much appreciated.
I am assuming that distance from its star means any water on the surface would not be in liquid form, but what about atmosphere in general? My world has enough gravity to retain one, but I am a bit vague about what that might be – apart from lacking oxygen. I would prefer to avoid Titan-like conditions.
What I would like are conditions that would respond nicely in time to application of a new heat source and seeding the planet with oxygen producing life.
While this is a practice exercise for me, I’d still like to avoid scientific howlers, so any input those with a better scientific grasp can provide would be very much appreciated.