And if so ...Who...What ...Why...Where...And when?
2006-12-14 05:43:20 · 10 answers · asked by john g 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I'm sure there is.
But the who, what, why, where and when is completely impossible to answer at the moment.
Check out SETI's website.
2006-12-14 05:49:30 · answer #1 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As Carl Sagan said...If not, then that's an awful waste of space. Whether we believe because we like the thought of not being alone in the universe, or refuse to believe in extraterrestial life because of religion or whatever reason, the simple fact is that there currently is no evidence that life exists elswhere.
Remember that back in 1990, astronomers were reluctant to say that there were planets orbiting other stars--because they hadn't detected any. I think the number is approaching 200 extrasolar planets now.
There are two basic camps (that I know if) in the scientific community regarding this question. First, there are the optimists, who believe that there has to be life out there somewhere. In their favor, there are BILLIONS of stars just in our galaxy, and even if only a few hundredths of a percent provide the right conditions for life, that is still millions of stars. Further, the basic elements and compunds needed for life as we know it, hydrogen, oxygen, H2O, carbon, nitrogen, and a few others, are relatively abundant in the universe, making it easy to get the right mix if we can get a planet at the right distance from the right star.
The other side, the pessimists, have a couple very valid points as well. First, all the factors leading to life are very complex, and many may as yet be unknown--this means that there is a low probability that all the conditions could be repeated as needed. Second, (for intelligent life) where are they? If there are Aliens out there, and they can get here, then where are they?
Fortunately for us optimists, there are lots of explanations, answers to the pessimistic view. Life on earth seems to get into just about every nook and cranny, and as we discover life living in deep ocean volcanic vents, in caves filled with noxious gases, and in a myriad of other hostile environments, we learn that life has a way of pushing the limits.
I have some links to various concepts you might enjoy reading about. Enjoy!
2006-12-14 06:11:25 · answer #2 · answered by ~XenoFluX 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is generally accepted that there are some 100 billion stars in our gallaxy (The Milky Way) and some 100 billion gallaxies in the universe (give or take a few billion) and most stars have planets. On that basis, there must be a very good case for other life out there. As to what form it might take, Star Trek is a good a place as any to get ideas.
2006-12-14 06:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The mind boggles ! I think questions like this are currently beyond our ability to answer but are fascinating to ponder. It would be a bit conceited of us to assume we are the only beings in the universe but as yet we don't have enough power of investigation to prove otherwise. If we are the only ones then it is unfathomably astounding & life is astounding enough anyway !! As a Buddhist I reflect on the desire to know what is un-knowable. While interesting to question, it's more peaceful to accept "I just really don't know, and it's okay !!" Attachment to desire is the route cause of all suffering.
2006-12-14 06:07:56 · answer #4 · answered by Ad Cas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There must be. There are literally billions upon billions of stars just in this galaxy. Most of these stars have a few planets revolving around them. What are the odds that none of these planets can supprt life?
2006-12-14 08:11:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There must be billions of life forms out there! Probably all as confused and bewildered as we are as they probably stare into the night time sky as we do!! It seems kinda unfair that there are no answers just theories. I spent time in Australia where you can see the milky way, your almost breathless with the view its fascinating, you could stare at it for hours!
2006-12-14 05:58:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutley YES ! First of all what frequency do you think you are living in, and Secondly how many stars do you see in the night sky, and that is only the ones you can see, and also only the ones you can see in our frequency.
Hope this answers your question.
Open your mind and then thou shall see !
2006-12-14 05:55:48 · answer #7 · answered by Craig W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think there is. But I have no idea who or what or why or where or even when. So it is just an intuitive feeling; I have no evidence.
2006-12-14 05:58:22 · answer #8 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other life? Yes.
2006-12-14 05:50:48 · answer #9 · answered by Maurice H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there are planets and stars.
2006-12-14 05:54:56 · answer #10 · answered by robert 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋