UPSC Prelims 2015 Q45: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of
- (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
- (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
- (c) search for the Earth - like planets in outer space
- (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals
Answer: (c) search for the Earth - like planets in outer space
Explanation
Goldilocks Zone
The Goldilocks Zone is the habitable zone around a star.
In it a planet is neither too hot nor too cold, so liquid water can exist on its surface.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name from | The fairy tale of Goldilocks, who chose the porridge that was 'just right' |
| Depends on | The star's size and heat |
| In our Solar System | Earth lies in it; Mars is near its outer edge |
| Used in | The search for Earth-like exoplanets by telescopes such as Kepler |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth | Incorrect |
| (b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available | Incorrect |
| (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space | Correct |
| (d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals | Incorrect |
Answer: (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It is not about a zone above the surface of the Earth.
- (b) Incorrect. It has nothing to do with shale gas inside the Earth.
- (c) CORRECT. The term is used in the search for Earth-like planets in outer space.
- (d) Incorrect. It is not about meteorites containing precious metals.
Key point
Goldilocks Zone: habitable zone around a star where liquid water can exist; key idea in the search for Earth-like exoplanets.
Remember
Goldilocks Zone = habitable zone for Earth-like planets.
Common mistakes
- Reading 'gold' in the name and choosing precious metals.
- Thinking the zone is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Assuming every planet in the zone has life; it only allows liquid water.
Exam tip
Goldilocks = 'just right': not too hot, not too cold.
Sources
- NASA Exoplanet Exploration — The Habitable Zone
- NCERT Class XI — Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 2 (The Origin and Evolution of the Earth)