Call to extend [mainstream] alien life search: BBC

In summary, a British astrophysicist says that Jupiter-like planets beyond our Solar System may be serious contenders for harbouring life, and that we should consider searching their moons. However, he has scepticism of any life being found on a "Jupiter-type" world, and agrees wholeheartedly with searching their moons. Additionally, he points out that, unless you're thinking that life can't evolve in any place other than an Earth-like enviroment, the phrase "Earth-like" is used liberally.
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  • #2
I've scepticism of any life being found on a "Jupiter-type" world, but I agree wholeheartedly with searching their moons. The writer of the article hasn't done a terribly lot of reasearch though, or they'd realize Mars-like planets aren't able to be detected yet.

And come to think of it, why did they say Mars-like planets and not come out and say "Earth-like" planets. Would have made more sense, to me.
 
  • #3
Great link, Ivan Seeking. Thanks.

I really appreciate that mainstream science is finally recognizing the utter anthropocentricism of believing that life couldn't exist on planets that are uninhabitable by typical "Earth life". It's obvious that, if life evolved on other planets, it would have adapted to its planet's conditions not Earth's.
 
  • #4
It's obvious that, if life evolved on other planets, it would have adapted to its planet's conditions not Earth's.

Unless you're thinking that life can't evolve in any place other than an Earth-like enviroment.

(The phrase "Earth-like" is used liberally, meaning any planet within appropriate temp zones and having a solid surface, etc.)
 
  • #5
come to think of it, why did they say Mars-like planets and not come out and say "Earth-like" planets

Er, they did make a clear distinction, and explain why; e.g. (quote from the article): "... boosts the chances of finding life on non Earth-like planets circling stars other than our Sun"

... mainstream science is finally recognizing the utter anthropocentricism of believing that life couldn't exist on planets that are uninhabitable by typical "Earth life"

Um, there is an interesting difficulty being assumed away here. Leave aside whether mainstream science can 'believe' anything; let's say you wished to study, using the scientific method, 'life in non-Earth environments'. How would you go about it?
a) Find some life in non-Earth environments and study it?
b) go to non-Earth environments and look for life?
c) take Earth life to a non-Earth environment and see what happens?

Turn the question around; how would you go about testing - using the scientific method - the following ideas (suitably reworded so they were hypotheses)?
1) non-Earth life thrives in the cores of neutron stars
2) non-Earth life has a characteristic time of 40 million years
3) dark matter creatures inhabit ecosystems which we call rich galaxy clusters.
 

What is the purpose of the BBC's call to extend the search for mainstream alien life?

The BBC is calling for an extension of the search for mainstream alien life in order to expand our understanding of the universe and potentially make groundbreaking discoveries about extraterrestrial life. This could also have societal and cultural impacts on humanity.

What methods are currently being used to search for mainstream alien life?

Current methods of searching for mainstream alien life include listening for radio signals, analyzing data from space probes, and searching for biosignatures in the atmospheres of other planets. Scientists are also exploring the potential for artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to aid in the search.

What evidence exists to support the existence of mainstream alien life?

While there is currently no concrete evidence of mainstream alien life, there have been various potential sightings and unexplained phenomena that have sparked the interest of scientists and the general public. Additionally, the vastness of the universe and the likelihood of other habitable planets suggest that the existence of mainstream alien life is possible.

What challenges do scientists face in the search for mainstream alien life?

One of the main challenges in the search for mainstream alien life is the vastness of the universe and the limitations of current technology. Additionally, the definition of "mainstream" alien life is constantly evolving, making it difficult for scientists to know exactly what they are looking for. There are also financial and ethical considerations that can impact the search.

What are the potential implications of discovering mainstream alien life?

The discovery of mainstream alien life could have a profound impact on our understanding of the universe and our place in it. It could also have major societal and cultural implications, potentially leading to technological advancements and changes in our perspective on life and the world. However, it is also important to consider the potential risks and challenges that could arise from encountering mainstream alien life.

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