What is a habitable zone?
Q: What is a habitable zone?
A: A habitable zone (HZ) in astronomy is a region of space where conditions are best for life to form as on Earth.
Q: What other names may the habitable zone be referred to as?
A: The habitable zone may also be called the "life zone", "comfort zone", "green belt" or "Goldilocks zone".
Q: How many stars have an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone?
A: One in five stars has an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone.
Q: Is it known what proportion of these planets would have conditions suitable for life?
A: No, it is not known what proportion would have conditions suitable for life.
Q: What kind of planets are most likely to have extraterrestrial life?
A: Planets in the habitable zones are most likely to have extraterrestrial life.
Q: Are all planets located within a star's HZ capable of sustaining life?
A: No, not all planets located within a star's HZ are capable of sustaining life.
