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AstroCody
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How close must a planet be to its parent star in order for it to be tidally locked?
A tidally locked planet is a celestial body that has one side permanently facing its star, while the other side is in constant darkness. This occurs when the planet's rotation rate is synchronized with its orbit around the star.
It is difficult for a tidally locked planet to support life as the extreme temperature differences between the two sides can make it challenging for organisms to survive. However, there is a possibility that habitable conditions may exist in the narrow band between the hot and cold sides, known as the "twilight zone."
The distance at which a planet becomes tidally locked depends on several factors, including the size and mass of the planet and its star. Generally, planets that are closer to their stars have a higher chance of becoming tidally locked. However, the exact distance varies and can range from a few million kilometers to a few hundred million kilometers.
The extreme temperature differences on a tidally locked planet can lead to strong winds and weather patterns, making it difficult for life to exist. The lack of a day-night cycle may also affect the development of organisms and their circadian rhythms. Additionally, the lack of a magnetic field due to the planet's slow rotation can leave it vulnerable to solar winds and radiation.
Yes, the Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning it always shows the same face to our planet. In our solar system, Mercury is also in a 3:2 spin-orbit resonance, where it rotates three times for every two orbits around the Sun. However, it is not considered a true tidally locked planet as it has a slight axial tilt.