Habitable Zones

demonstrate an understanding of the existence and significance of habitable zones/Goldilocks zones

In the story Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Mummy Bear's porridge was too cold, Daddy Bear's porridge was too hot but Baby Bear's porridge was just right, not too how or cold.

One of the reasons that Earth is the only planet in our solar system that can sustain life (probably) is that it lies within the Goldilocks zone. Life as we know it relies on liquid water and water, at atmospheric pressure, is a liquid between 0 and 100 degrees Centigrade.

Any water on the surface of Venus would be vaporised. Water on the surface of Mars would freeze.

Notice that where the habitable zone is depends on the mass of the star. A smaller star emits lets heat so its habitable zone would be closer.