Habitable Planets For Man
This RAND report by Stephen H. Dole is now available as a free PDF download. Fascinating as spec science and a real treasure trove for SF writers who want to build their worlds in as realistic a fashion as possible.
An attempt to make an estimate of the probabilities of finding planets habitable to man, where they might be found, and the number there may be in our own galaxy. The characteristics of a planet that can provide an acceptable environment for man are presented in detail. The stars nearest the earth, most likely to possess habitable planets, are itemized. The author also discusses special and unusual planets that may be discovered, how new environments might affect people who migrate to them, how to search for habitable planets. He also gives an appraisal of the earth as a planet and describes how its habitability would be changed if some of its basic properties were altered. 171 pp. Bibliog.
Excellent stuff.
Props to: John Joseph Adams @ The Slush God Speaketh
