Chapter 261: Specializing in all kinds of arrogance
Humans have discovered many asteroids, but most of them are gas giant planets, similar to Jupiter and Saturn. They have high mass and low density, and are not made of rocks. Instead, it is composed of hydrogen elements such as hydrogen and helium.
This kind of gas giant planet is larger and easier to observe or infer. But the elements that make up planets are obviously different from those of the earth, and they cannot be called terrestrial planets.
To be called an Earth-like planet, it must at least be made of rock, that is to say, silicon compounds or carbon compounds.
These terrestrial planets often have the same topography as the Earth, such as mountains, canyons, craters, volcanoes, etc. But they all have a common flaw, which is temperature.
As of 2007, the Earth-like planets discovered by humans are either too hot or too cold for liquid water to exist.
Water is the source of life. Without water, life cannot exist. Therefore, a planet without liquid water cannot breed life, so it is directly rejected by astronomers.
Until 2007, Swiss scientists discovered the planet Gillis 581C using an observatory in Chile. This planet is larger than the Earth and has a shorter orbital period than the Earth.
However, because the star it orbits is a red dwarf, which is not as hot as the sun, the temperature of Gillis 581C is between 0 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, there is the possibility of liquid water, and it is also capable of birth. The possibility of life.
This discovery immediately caused a sensation in the entire astronomical community, because this is the first planet discovered in history that may be suitable for human habitation. Because Gillis 581C was larger than the Earth, astronomers at the time nicknamed it "Super Earth."
When Professor Li saw the radius and mass of Gillis 581C, he already realized that it was an Earth-like planet.
Although the volume and mass of Gillis 581C are larger than those of the Earth, among the stars discovered by humans outside the solar system, the mass of Gillis 581C ranks among the bottom five.
With such a small size and mass, it must not be a gas giant planet, but an Earth-like planet.
Looking at the planetary temperature calculated from the spectrum again, Professor Li was stunned for an instant.
Earth-like planets are already very rare. The temperature on the planet is such that liquid water may exist!
"I read that right!" Professor Li took off his glasses, rubbed them, and looked at the data again to make sure his eyes were clear.
"Teacher Xiao Zhang, are you correct about these data?" Professor Li asked.
"You gave me the spectral data, and the graduate student you gave me is responsible for the calculations. Even if it's wrong, it's not my fault!" Zhang Wei said with a smile.
"Wait a moment, I'll ask the two graduate students." Professor Li quickly picked up the phone and called the two graduate students over.
……
Professor Fang, head of the Department of Physics, came to the conference room of the Astrophysics Center.
"You called me here so urgently, saying that you have made a major discovery. What discovery is it?" Professor Fang asked straight to the point.
"Director, there is a major discovery in the information given to us by the Chileans. We have found an Earth-like planet!" Professor Li said excitedly.
"So fast? It's only been a few days since the data was handed over, right? You've already discovered it? By the way, those Chileans are still touring the capital. They haven't left yet, and you guys have come out. Did it work?" Professor Fang said with a surprised look.
Professor Li went on to introduce: "And the Earth-like planet discovered this time is extraordinary. This Earth-like planet has the conditions for the existence of liquid water!"
"What did you say? Liquid water?" Professor Fang took a breath of air.
Although Professor Fang does not study astronomy, as a professor in the Department of Physics, he still has a certain understanding of astronomical science. He also knows what it means to have the possibility of the existence of liquid water on Earth-like planets.
“Do you have any data?” Professor Fang asked immediately.
"The data is here, please take a look."
"You have discovered a second Earth!" Professor Fang looked at the data and then asked: "Verify these data Has it passed? ”
"The calculations are based on the data provided by the Rasla Observatory. As long as there are no problems with their data, there will be no problems with our calculation results!" Professor Li said with confidence.
"Well done! If there are no problems, we will release this scientific research result as soon as possible. While those Chileans have not left, we will also invite them here and let them see our strength!" Professor Fang said.
“Especially that Gonzalez and the bearded Hernandez. Thinking about how arrogant they looked two days ago, I’m really angry! Isn’t that right? "Have you acquired some advanced observation equipment from European and American countries? You really think you are a big country in space, what are you talking about!" Professor Li also said angrily.
“By the way, our Astrophysics Center has achieved results so quickly this time, which is also a breath of relief for our Qingdao University. When you come back, you can count up the list of meritorious personnel, and I will give you my thanks! "Professor Fang continued.
“There is no rush to express my merits, but we have to continue to study this discovery. I plan to set up a new project.”
"There must be no problem with establishing the project. For such a major discovery, we have to report it to the Ministry of Science and Technology and start a big project!"
Professor Fang agreed wholeheartedly, and then continued: "But the people who should be commended , it still needs to be commended, and if there is a reward, it should be rewarded. We can't let the hearts of scientific researchers be cold!"
"Actually, this Earth-like planet was not discovered by people from our Astrophysics Center." Professor Li said with an embarrassed look.
"You didn't discover it? Then what kind of happy news are you giving me! You have the nerve to ask me for a project, but you defrauded me of funds?"
"You misunderstood, I How dare you cheat money?" Professor Li quickly explained: "Actually, this asteroid was discovered by Zhang Wei."
"Zhang Wei? Are you talking about Zhang Wei?" Professor Fang looked like he had seen a ghost.
“Isn’t it that Zhang Wei!” Professor Li nodded.
"I haven't figured out graphene yet, so how come I'm studying astrophysics again? And I also discovered an Earth-like planet?" Professor Fang seemed to be talking to himself, but also like I'm asking Professor Li.
Professor Li immediately said: "Zhang Wei said that he is more interested in astrophysics. How about we go to the principal to discuss and let him come to our Astrophysics Department. Then our Astrophysics Center will not have to worry about it. We are worried about scientific research funding!”
“He said he was interested in astrophysics?” Professor Fang asked immediately.
Professor Li nodded honestly.
"Yes!" Professor Fang showed a deep expression and continued: "As far as I know, if it doesn't involve academic aspects, Zhang Wei doesn't tell much truth. What he said must be true. I lied to you!”
……
Several researchers from the Lasla Observatory spent a few wonderful days in the capital.
The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace all leave foreigners stunned for a moment. Then they go to the Beijing Zoo to see the pandas, and to Quanjude for a roast duck. These are all must-have check-in spots for foreigners visiting the capital.
A few Chilean foreigners are not very interested in giant pandas. The panda pavilion in the Beijing Zoo is still too small. A group of people surround the two pandas, and the pandas ignore you. The tourism experience is far worse than that in Chengdu. .
But a group of Chilean foreigners really love roast duck.
Barbecue has always been a highlight in the recipes of South American countries. As a relatively wealthy country in South America, Chile’s barbecue culture is not inferior to that of Argentina.
Such as roasted chicken, roasted pig, roasted beef, roasted lamb, roasted fish, and even roasted horse meat, you can find them all in Chile.
But South Americans know everything about barbecue. It’s really hard to describe in just one sentence.
America has an abundant supply of meat, and Americans’ barbecue focuses on a hard core. A large piece of meat or steak looks quite appetizing, but after two bites you will get tired of it.
To be honest, this large piece of barbecue only has some flavor on the surface, but not at all on the inside. If the barbecue doesn't taste good, it won't taste so delicious. Pork is too spicy, mutton is too mutton, fish is too fishy, and horse meat is too hot, so beef would be better if grilled.
So you will see that North Americans serve barbecue with thick cheese, while South Americans serve barbecue with thick paste. Mainly because the meat they grill is really not good. Eat it without making a mess of dipping sauce, it will be too hard to swallow.
Compared with Beijing roast duck, all kinds of hard-core barbecue in America are inferior.
Now this group of Chileans came to the capital and ate roast duck that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The wild boar finally ate the fine chaff.
The receptionist from Tsingta University took them to Quanjude, and one person was able to show off a whole roast duck, and they looked like they were still unsatisfied after eating.
So in the next few days, these Chileans kept asking for roast duck every day, and the receptionist could only take them to eat roast duck.
Fortunately, several Chileans can’t tell the difference between brands. As long as it’s roast duck, even if it’s not Quanjude, they can still eat it with gusto if it’s cheaper.
As long as it is fine chaff, wild boars are not picky about their food.
At dinner time, Professor Fang, who had not been seen for a long time, appeared in front of them again. In addition to accompanying him to dinner, Professor Fang also handed over an invitation letter.
"Mr. Gonzalez, we invite you to attend tomorrow's press conference." Professor Fang said with a smile.
"Press conference? What is it about?" Gonzalez asked.
"Based on the information provided by the Las La Observatory, we found an asteroid, and it is an Earth-like planet." Professor Fang couldn't help but show a proud expression.
“Are you sure it’s an Earth-like planet?” Gonzalez was also surprised. Although he is arrogant, he is not ignorant. He knows that more than 90% of the planets discovered by astronomers outside the solar system are gas giant planets, and less than 10% are terrestrial planets.
Professor Fang, who was opposite, nodded: "We came to the conclusion after calculation based on the data provided by the Rasla Observatory. As long as there is no problem with your data, then there is no problem with our conclusion."
"Of course there will be no problem with our data!" Gonzalez said immediately.
"Then tomorrow morning, we will send a special car to pick you up. After all, this is the first result we have achieved after our cooperation. We look forward to your arrival."
Watching Professor Fang leave Afterwards, Gonzalez's expression gradually became serious.
Hernandez, who was next to him, said: "We have just handed over the data to the Chinese. It has only been a few days, and they have discovered an Earth-like planet? I don't believe it!"
"To be honest, I don't believe it either, but since they dare to hold a press conference, I think it's probably true." Gonzalez said.
“Could it be that they have discovered an Earth-like planet a long time ago and specifically chose this time to release it?”
“If that is the case, do they still need to cooperate with us? ?" Gonzalez paused and then said: "Maybe we underestimate the scientific research capabilities of the Chinese."
"Maybe the Chinese are just bluffing." Hernandez still said. Angry expression: "If they really dare to bluff in front of me, then I will expose them tomorrow!"
……
"Dear guests and fellow journalists, we warmly welcome you all to attend this press conference with great enthusiasm and sincerity..."
After some opening remarks, Li from the Center for Astrophysics The professor began to introduce this discovery.
“…Since this planet is orbiting the star Gillis 581, in accordance with the conventions of the astronomical community, we named this planet Gillis 581C…
…Gillis What’s special about 581C is that it is within the habitable zone of its star, which means it may have conditions suitable for life, such as liquid water and suitable temperatures...
... Of course, we also More observations and research are needed to confirm this, but Gillis 581C undoubtedly opens a new window for us to explore the possibility of life in the universe..."
In the audience, the Chilean researchers listened to the translators around them, their expressions gradually changed from solemn to surprised, and finally to dumbfounded expressions.
“They really discovered an Earth-like planet, and the temperature of the planet is such that liquid water can exist! This is not an ordinary Earth-like planet, this may be another Earth!” Gonzalez He opened his mouth slightly, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"Impossible, this is absolutely impossible! I don't believe it! How could they have made such a major discovery in such a short time! Even European and American astronomers have not discovered this Gillis 581C, China Astronomer, how can you discover it?" Hernandez looked furious.
Although Hernandez is Chilean, he has long been working with European astronomers and has long regarded himself as a European. That kind of mentality is probably like that of a comprador in the old society. He wears a suit and combs his hair, and works in a foreign company every day. He really thinks of himself as a foreigner.
In Western media propaganda, China is a poor and backward country, so since coming to China, Hernandez has been filled with a sense of superiority.
Especially when he visited the Astrophysics Center of Tsinghua University and found that the equipment from the 1980s was still used here, his sense of superiority became even more profound.
Now, the Chinese astronomers he looked down upon have made such great discoveries. For a while, Hernandez simply couldn't accept it.
"Fake, it must be fake! This must be academic fraud!" Hernandez beeped hysterically.
Fortunately, he spoke in Spanish, and even a translator couldn't understand him, because Tsinghua University equipped them with an English translator.
"Shut up!" Gonzalez glared at him fiercely, and then said: "You just heard that they found this planet on the orbital data of Gillis 581 in Libra. Stellar. This is indeed the data we provided! If what he said is false, it means there is something wrong with the data we provided!”
When Gonzalez said this, Hernandez suddenly did not dare to continue beeping.
Gonzalez continued: "For such a major discovery, astronomers from all over the world will definitely verify it. If it is false, it will be easily exposed. Chinese astronomers are not fools, it is impossible Doing such a stupid thing!”
“But how could they discover this Gillis 581C in such a short time? Astronomers from several European countries have seen this data. Why did they? Can't find it?" Hernandez said still unconvinced and angrily.
“That only shows that Chinese astronomers are better!” Gonzalez said, glared at Hernandez, and then continued: “We will stay in China for a few more days. So before returning to China, you should put away your arrogance!”
……
After a simple and clear introduction, it was time for reporters to ask questions.
Faced with questions from reporters, Professor Li made all kinds of exaggerated claims. He came up with various exaggerated concepts such as Earth No. 2, light speed flight, interstellar immigration, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
This is also in line with the urinary nature of astronomers. They dare to brag about anything and will not stop until their words are shocking.
Anyway, humans will not be able to do these awesome things in the next few hundred years, and there will be no way for the next several generations to verify them. As long as it cannot be verified, it is not nonsense.
The reporter obviously likes this content very much. The more exaggerated it is, the more readers like it.
If possible, reporters would like to write a report saying that they are aliens.
This press conference started at 9 a.m. Beijing time. After the press conference, reports appeared on domestic portal websites, and at noon, the TV station had a news brief.
Due to the time difference, the midday news in China has started to report, but it is still morning in Europe, and many people have not gotten up yet.
After Europeans went to work in the morning, they also received the news, which instantly became a hot search in the European astronomy community.
……
Switzerland, University of Geneva, a bald old man wearing glasses stood in the computer room. In front of him, there was a row of researchers sitting in front of the computers and working nervously.
A middle-aged man came over: "Professor, why don't you take a rest for a while. I will notify you immediately when the results are available."
"No, I will just wait here for the results. !" The bald old man shook his head firmly.
After a while, one of the experimenters said: "We have calculated that Gillis 851C does exist! Its orbital period is 13 days, and its distance from the star Gillis 581 is about 10.7 million kilometers, which is about One-fourth of the way from the earth to the sun."
"Continue to calculate other information!" The old man continued.
Many researchers became busy again.
"Professor, according to the calculation results, the mass of Gillis 851C is about 33 times 10 to the power of 25 kilograms, which is 330 trillion tons!"
"Professor, Gillis 851C The size is about 1.5 times that of the Earth! "
"Professor, based on the spectral data, we calculated the temperature of Gillis 851C, which is indeed the same as the news announced by the Chinese, it is between 0 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. .
Based on its volume, the polar temperature of Gillis 851C may be below minus 100 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature area may exceed 100 degrees Celsius. But in theory, this planet can exist between 0 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. Celsius area ”
"In other words, this planet really has an environment where liquid water exists?" The old man took a breath of air and murmured: "The Chinese discovery is true! They really found a second Earth! ”
After coming to this conclusion, the whole room fell into silence.
After a while, the old man finally asked: "Which university discovered this planet?"
"Tsinghua University Astrophysics Center, that is the best university in China."< br>
“Contact them and tell them that I want to visit.” The old man said.
……
Tsinghua University, Principal’s Office.
"Principal, what are you talking about? Michel Mayor is coming to visit? Is it the Michel Mayor from Switzerland?" Professor Fang looked surprised.
“Of course it’s him, who else but him!” Principal Gu said.
“What the hell, the greatest astrophysicist today wants to visit us? This is someone you can’t even spend money on!”
"Yes, in terms of astrophysics, this is the first time we have received a scholar of this level. By the way, didn't you just discover the second Earth? I guess he came here for this matter. Go back and prepare I'll ask the secretary to send you Professor Mayor's itinerary later." Principal Gu said.
"Yes, you'd better send me the itinerary as soon as possible. Before the people from the Chilean Astronomical Station leave, I'll show off!"
At this time, Professor Fang's mouth was already full. It's even harder to suppress than a loaded AK.
(End of this chapter)