The video discusses the concept of rogue planets, which are planets that travel alone through the universe, inhabiting the vast space between stars. These planets are exposed to the freezing cold of outer space and have no seasons, days, or nights to indicate the passage of time. Despite these harsh conditions, rogue planets might carry alien life to all corners of the galaxy.
The video explains that rogue planets can be terrestrial planets, similar to Earth, that got kicked out of their planetary system due to the violent collisions and close proximity to each other's orbits in young star systems. If a massive planet moves its orbit closer to the star, it can kick smaller planets out of the system. However, even if a planet survives the formation process, it's not safe from disruptions by flybys from stars or black holes.
The video also discusses the possibility of life on rogue planets. It suggests that a planet similar to Earth, in deep space, could still support life if it has enough energy to keep at least a part of its oceans warm enough to sustain liquid water. This energy could come from the planet's hot center, which could keep the planet geologically active for billions of years, allowing life to come into existence and thrive.
The video also explores the possibility of life in sub-glacial oceans under a kilometer thick layer of mostly water ice, similar to the conditions on Earth. It suggests that similar events or volcanic activity in the dark ocean of a rogue planet could be the starting point and basis for complex ecosystems.
The video ends with a discussion about how to animate videos like theirs, offering a three-part series of classes on Skillshare, an online learning community for creators. The first 1,000 people to use a link in the video description will get their first two months of Skillshare Premium Membership for free.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Rogue planets are planets that travel through the universe alone.
2. They inhabit the dark and vast space between the stars.
3. Rogue planets are exposed to the freezing cold of outer space.
4. They have no seasons, days, or nights, which could indicate the passing of time.
5. There are several types of rogue planets, including sub-brown dwarfs and terrestrial planets.
6. Terrestrial planets can become rogue planets if they are kicked out of their planetary system.
7. Young star systems are dangerous places where protoplanets are battling for mass.
8. Planets can collide with each other or get close to each other's orbits, leading to ejection from the system.
9. Up to half of all planets born could end up as rogue planets.
10. Scientists estimate that there are billions of rogue planets in the Milky Way alone.
11. Most rogue planets will eventually become cold and dark, with their surfaces cooling down to -270 degrees Celsius.
12. If rogue planets have oceans, they will freeze and become as hard as bedrock.
13. The atmospheres of rogue planets will sink down to the surface and eventually freeze.
14. Life can still exist on rogue planets if they have liquid water.
15. Liquid water is essential for life to exist, as it allows for interesting chemistry to happen.
16. Rogue planets can have liquid water if they have enough energy to keep their oceans warm.
17. The energy can come from the planet's hot center, which is a giant metal ball.
18. Earth's inner core is about as hot as the surface of the Sun.
19. The hot core of a rogue planet can provide geothermal energy to the surface.
20. A planet with a dense hydrogen atmosphere can trap heat and enable oceans to exist.
21. Moons can inject energy into a rogue planet's system through tidal forces.
22. Sub-glacial oceans under a thick layer of ice can exist on rogue planets.
23. Hydrothermal vents can provide a constant flow of minerals from a planet's mantle.
24. Bacteria can feed on the minerals and produce organic materials.
25. Complex ecosystems can exist in the dark oceans of rogue planets.
26. The environment in a rogue planet's ocean is extremely stable, protected by a thick ice sheet.
27. The most likely forms of life on rogue planets are bacteria and other microorganisms.
28. More complex alien animals could feed on the smaller beings and thrive.
29. Intelligent life could emerge in the dark oceans of rogue planets.
30. The universe might be teeming with life trapped on planets that are impossible to leave.