IRC-Galleria

So let´s imagine a galaxy.

In this galaxy there are many solar systems with all their little details. Comets are flying here and there and if you get lucky you might even find some scrap metal from satellites and spaceships floating around.

I want to concentrate on stars and on the planets that are gravitationally bound to them. Let´s say that a solar system has for example three planets. The one closest to the star gets the most light and warmth. The ones further away get less. Logical enough.

Here´s a thought : Is the planet closest to the star content with its position or does it try to get closer? When will it feel satisfied and think that it is the only one of importance in that solar system? Will it ever feel that way and will it ever be sovereignly more significant than the others? Problem being that, if it gets too close to the star, it will become completely void of life and finally the entire planet will suffer a fairly agonizing death.

What about solar systems of a much larger scale? Let´s say that the amount of planets is twelve. What is the value of the eleventh planet? There is unlikely any life on its surface and even its core is fairly cold compared to most other planets. Asteroids maul its surface every now and again and it can barely see and not really feel the star´s presence.

In a large system, which of the planets is the most content with its own existence? What should the planets try to do, as their life force is aligned to the star which is also the cancer that is destined to one day either destroy them or leave them in eternal cold darkness? If the planets always hope for a better... warmer place for themselves and in a way "own" the star... and they will at least burn badly while trying to get close... what do they achieve in the end?

If life could be supported by the planets themselves, rendering the stars slighlty less significant for the existence of life... would the planets be better off supporting it by themselves in darkness?