this is just something i wonder and i want opinions
2006-07-10 07:12:41 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
In making this prediction, one has two options: you can predict that life is unique to the Earth, or that it isn't unique. If you think that it is unique, why would that be? Is there any reason to believe that the Earth has a unique set of circumstances that couldn't be reproduced elsewhere in the universe? There are hundreds of billions of stars in our own galaxy, and hundreds of billions of galaxies.
We _do_ know that out of these many billions and billions of stars, there are many stars that are similar to our own--both in terms of luminosity, lifecycle, age, and so forth. Beyond that, we don't know much. Is there any reason for us to believe that these similar stars wouldn't harbor planets similar to our own?
When one considers that we know of one solar system that contains life (our own), and that there are many similar stars, it seems difficult to come up with a compelling argument for our uniqueness. While there's no proof of life elsewhere, it seems more likely than not that there is.
On the other hand, out of all the species on the Earth, only humans have developed a technological civilization. This suggests a very low frequency. It's also possible that while life could end up being commonplace, technological civilizations are vanishingly rare.
There are currently NASA projects in the works, such as the Terrestrial Planet Finder, which will attempt to locate Earthlike planets around other stars. This may provide further evidence of possible life elsewhere in our galaxy. If we find that there are planets with water and oxygen and complex organic molecules on planets with a similar size and temperature to the Earth, it might be amongst the most exciting scientific discoveries of all time. This is the sort of research that we can expect over the next few decades, should the plans for these observatories come to fruition.
2006-07-10 08:15:46 · answer #1 · answered by Jon R 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it is egotistical to believe that in all of the universe, life exsists only on earth. Whether or not we are the only intelligent life? Life somewhere else, however physically different then we are, would naturally develop toward intelligence. Also, since the chemicals and processes that are thought to bring about life are found on comets, astroids (in space dust), it would seem that life would exist anywhere it could gain a foothold. On our own planet there are primitive forms of life found in what we formerly believed were inhospitalble conditions. So, what would prevent that from being different anywhere else in our universe.
The big questions is not whether there is life, or even intelligent life, the question is whether we will ever be able to communicate (nevermind, travel) across the vast distances of the universe with another intelligent life form. Whether that life form has developed technology, or even if technology is the best way to develop a species.
2006-07-10 07:25:31 · answer #2 · answered by Mary Lynn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is entirely possible that there is life on other planets. I that if God made woman to ease mans loneliness, why so would He not make a companion for mankind in the great scheme of things. Besides to believe otherwise it beyond my egotistical capabilities. A comic(I believe it was Calvin and Hobbs) once said: Proof that there is intelligent life out there, they haven't contacted us yet.
2006-07-11 17:03:29 · answer #3 · answered by earthfyre64 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To date, no Astronomers have discoverred any other life on anyTHING. MOST stars (suns) don't even have planets orbiting them. Our Sun is very uniques in that matter. I believe that God only wanted US to exist, because our planet, and galaxy, are NEAR CENTER to ALL of the UNIVERSE!
2006-07-10 07:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by thewordofgodisjesus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are DEFINITELY not alone! There is absolutely life elsewhere! We just have to be prepared to meet a LOT of algae, fungus and lichen before we meet things with limbs we can shake in greeting!
2006-07-10 07:18:47 · answer #5 · answered by eyebum 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
absolutely. it is mathematically impossible for there not to be life. Anyone who thinks that an omniscient god specifically placed us here has completely lost his mind and probably voted for bush. One incompetant person supporting another
2006-07-10 07:26:59 · answer #6 · answered by Benjamin P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's nothing else, then this universe makes for a terrible waste of space.
2006-07-10 07:16:49 · answer #7 · answered by Jason C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big waste of space if we are the only ones!
2006-07-10 10:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by paleo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, of course, the universe are so huge, and there are so many galaries.
2006-07-10 07:22:16 · answer #9 · answered by sharpshooter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think they are others probable they don't look like us but who knows maybe in due time they will reveal themselves.
2006-07-10 11:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by peaches105 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋