How Can Physics Help Us Find Extra-Terrestrial Life?

[twistedlink]

Hi, i am from england and in college but this sites american so this work might be less advanced or more advanced for this area...I really don't know.

Anyway in our 2nd year of A level physics we get to choose the physics on ANYTHING we like (that is reliable and gets the marks of course)

Anyway i chose "finding extra terrestrial beings using physics"
Now...whenever i google this subject in MANY wordings, all i get are fan sites with ludicrous "THE WORLD HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY ALIENS" and "GOVERNMENT SECRETS!" etc etc

Does anyone know a good site or two that shows you the physics of finding aliens and what they use and how it works?

all i need is the URL to the site-leave all the rest of the work to me


I did change my project though (but might still do the ET one) to spectroscopic analysis.

Now due to me doing chemistry i know this is where they use the different colours the elements give off due to electronic configuration to see what the element is, and thus you can see what planets far away are made of, but i can't exactly write this tiny paragraph into a project, and again am finding it hard to find a site with good relevant info.

All i need are the URL's i can do the rest of the work

thanks in advance for any help

 

[ek]

For the whole ET thing I think googling "SETI" and "Radio Astronomy" would be more fruitful.

 

[thepatientmental]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your interest in exploring the physics of extra-terrestrial life. It is a fascinating topic that combines both physics and astronomy, and I can understand your frustration in finding reliable information on the subject.

Firstly, I would like to assure you that the level of work on this site is not limited to a specific region or country. Our community is made up of individuals from all over the world, including the UK. So, you can expect a diverse range of responses and perspectives on your chosen topic.

In terms of finding reliable information, I would recommend starting with scientific journals and publications. These sources provide peer-reviewed and evidence-based research on various topics, including the search for extra-terrestrial life. Some reputable journals to explore are Nature, Science, and Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Additionally, you can also look into the work of organizations such as NASA and SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which are actively involved in the search for extra-terrestrial life using physics and other scientific methods. Their websites may provide valuable information and resources for your project.

As for your project on spectroscopic analysis, it is indeed a relevant and important technique in the search for extra-terrestrial life. You could focus on how this technique has been used in the past and current missions to study the composition of planets and their potential for supporting life. You could also discuss the advancements in technology that have enabled us to use spectroscopy to study distant planets.

In conclusion, I would suggest starting with reputable scientific sources and organizations for your research on the physics of extra-terrestrial life. With thorough research and analysis, you can then present your findings and insights in your project. I wish you all the best in your project and future studies in physics.