Part 5/11:
To enhance our understanding of the Rare Earth Hypothesis, we must consider Earth's position in the cosmos and the evolutionary timeline of the universe. Crucially, Earth formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago, at a time when the universe had accrued enough heavy elements from stellar evolution to create rocky planets.
Key factors that might differentiate Earth from other planets include its optimal distance from the sun, the composition of its atmosphere, and its overall stability as a celestial body. These features contribute to a high likelihood of sustaining life over billions of years—time needed for the emergence of intelligence.