Guillermo Gonzalez postulated a Galactic Habitable Zone (GHZ), a region 7 to 9 kiloparsecs (23,000 to 29,000 light-years) from the galactic center {and some 6,000 light years in width (2 kiloparsecs), containing stars roughly 4 billion to 8 billion years old}, where conditions are best suited to the development and survival of life as we know it.

Now a GHZ is different from a Circumstellar Habitable Zone (CHZ) this is a notional spherical shell of space surrounding a star where liquid water will be sustained on a planet’s surface. Beyond the outer edge, a planet will not receive enough solar radiation to make up for radiative losses, leaving water to freeze. A planet closer than the inner edge of this zone will absorb too much radiation, boiling away surface water. We used to call this the “water belt” (WB) and for the the sake of clarity, this is the term I will use.

So here’s my question…
If one star creates a WB, then in theory a stellar cluster should as well. Think of it, the galactic core as a life-giving sun. So…
Does the galactic core, if treated as one massive stellar cluster, create a “water belt” (GCWB) where any planet within a star system (outbound from it’s native CHZ) would still sustain liquid water on the surface? If so, what is the size of this GCWB?

Disclaimer: Since we are discussing the oldest stars & star systems in the galaxy, it is granted the GCWB in question is probably so close to the galactic core that the planets have long since been baked into wrinkled, dried out husks (not unlike Tommy Chong), but that’s not the point!

Don’t know if that is on par with atmospheric popcorn, but it’s worth a shot.

I loved your show back then, and I love it now.

Also:

Hello from Ukraine!

К сожалению, я должен быть стерт ваш комментарий к аварии.

Lucian

Нет проблем. Просто введите свое имя в поле, а затем ваш комментарий. Пресс вступить, и вы сделали!

Lucian

Hey Lucian Pete from Canada here.

Most Canadians second favorite sport after hockey would have to be American Politics. That said, although I agree with your editorial comments, I’m not sure calling a segment of your own population “knuckeheads” doesn’t push people to the opposite point of view.

Secondly, although I never considered Matt Damen particularly intelligent, you may want to share his comments on Sarah Palin. He swung my imaginary vote when he pointed out the fact that the chances are very high she will become president if/when McCain dies while on the throne. The thought of a young and inexperienced hockey mom running the most powerful nation on the planet is scarey to say the least.

you’re the master of the cliffhanger

thx

BTW I have a Lucian’s Solutions question!

If dropped into Earth’s atmosphere, would a kernel of popcorn, pop, before being incinerated by re-entry?

Bwahahahahahahahaha!

I feel kinda bad saying this, I love all the stuff, but 19 was bad for me. The use of the tern “fat little penguin” didn’t fit with the character, and it was used way to much. I found it was distracting me from the actual important updates to the plot.

Sorry L. You know everybody loves ya though anyway right? I’m just trying to be constructive. I’m still hooked on the book and await 20 with anticipation.