Aliens equal to any type of life form.
2007-03-15 16:42:42 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
So far we've seen no verifiable evidence of other sentient species. That said, I believe with some certainty that somewhere in our galaxy at some past, present, or future time, a sentient species did/does/will exist.
Why haven't we heard from them?
Perhaps they are not technologically advanced enough to be heard. They may be mastering stone knives right now, or experiencing their own Rennaisance.
Perhaps they are here right now. Any species sufficiently advanced to travel interstellar distances would be able to hide or masquerade with ease. That Boeing 737 that just flew by may be a surveillance craft.
Perhaps they are so far away they will never notice us and vice versa.
Perhaps they existed a million years ago and died out.
Perhaps they will exist a million years from now.
It is really impossible to know for sure.
The Drake Equation suggests that there is sentient life out there. The Fermi Paradox casts doubt. Play around with the calculation form at the second link and see what you think.
2007-03-16 12:11:19 · answer #1 · answered by Otis F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The science channel actually had an answer to this.
1. You calculate the number of stars in this galaxy.
2. Calculate the number of planets in those solar systems can support life.
3. I just realized, that if they're aliens, in this galaxy, that means they came from another galaxy.
So, based on that, it's a slim maybe. Hopefully no though, because the type of beings that can travel from galaxy to galaxy would be a force to recon with.
2007-03-15 18:02:20 · answer #2 · answered by oldbrokenhands 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A scientist posed this question a few decades ago. He calculated that only a small percentage of suns might have planets circling them. Of those, only a small percentage might be suitable for life. Of those, only a small percentage have not yet become extinct... and so on. This calculation is known as the "Drake" (named after the scientist) Equation - you could find out more about it on a search engine.
Because the total number of stars in our galaxy is so large (hundreds of billions), there is a a great chance that there are hunderds, perhaps thousands, of worlds with alien life. Not just alien life, but intelligent alien life.
To answer your question in short: very probably!
2007-03-15 19:47:51 · answer #3 · answered by Stewart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! But don't tell her they peek in her window at night...she may not sleep very well.
haahah...sorry, I couldn't resist. Don't be mean to your daughter. I was totally winking and j/k and all that mess.
I think there are aliens in the universe. I don't think they are weird monsters. I don't know where they are...aliens could be anything, anywhere, any size. I kind of think of them as things we don't understand...it will all make sense someday. Personally, I think I would be stupid to think in all of the universe that earth is the only place that has intelligent life.
Of course, she is asking you. So whatever you tell her, it needs to fit what you want her to know. Or you can just turn the question on her and ask her what she thinks...and compliment how creative she is...or console her fears about monsters, etc.
2007-03-15 16:52:32 · answer #4 · answered by musicimprovedme 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one's sure yet since we do not have the technology to travel to other parts of the galaxy, but it is certian that there are none in this solar system since we have already sent satellites to the other planets and they have been there long enough to know that there are no 'aliens'. tell your daughter that 'aliens' could be just like us (humans) if you think logically.
2007-03-15 18:16:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so. I mean why not? There is a vast amount of space that we have yet to explore and the same for the many planets. It is also proven that there is water on one of the other planets. Besides would it really make sense that there is so much space and yet we are the only living creatures in the whole universe.
2007-03-15 16:49:59 · answer #6 · answered by wicca_alison 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In this galaxy, maybe not, but in this universe very likely. The number of stars and planets in the universe is so astronomically high that the odds of us being the only life in the universe is incredibly low. Also, if you belive in a god or other higher power, then it wouldn't make sense for them to create such a huge universe to only have one planet occupied by intelligent life.
2007-03-15 16:52:54 · answer #7 · answered by irishrunner1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say yes. Given that there are over 100 billion stars and quite a few of them have multiple planets, the odds that one other planet in the Milky Way has life is about 1 (a certainty).
2007-03-15 17:37:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you believe the Men in Black movie, they are right here on this planet, disguised as regular Joes. Your bank teller might be an alien. But seriously, is there really any proof either way? I suppose its possible, but I am not convinced that they exist.
2007-03-15 16:52:13 · answer #9 · answered by Jacqueline M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello. I am an alien. I am using Yahoo Answers to learn more deeply about human beings on planet earth.
2007-03-15 16:45:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋