Are We Significant? ET Life, Discovery of Earth & Carbon-Based Life

  • Thread starter DeepSpace9
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a level 3 civilization encountering Earth and the likelihood of them stopping to study us. One person argues that they would continue on due to our lower intelligence, while the other believes they would be interested in studying us. The second question raises the topic of the composition of other life forms in the universe and whether they would be carbon-based. It is mentioned that it is difficult to speculate on the motives of unknown beings and their potential existence.
  • #1
DeepSpace9
57
1
Lets say there were a level 3 civilization out in the cosmos..

If they flew over Earth and detected our life, will they most likely stop and study us?
OR would they simply keep going because our intelligence is no where near theirs, and we could not communicate with them?

I heard an argument where someone said ET would just keep going, because they would look at us like we are good for nothing worms. Kind of how we look at insects on Earth..

but that didn't make sense to me, if they would travel this far.. Why would they not stop and study us, unless they are used to seeing life like ours on different planets.. Wouldn't the discovery of Earth be a pretty big deal to any ET life, unless life is very common??

Second Question, if there is other life in the universe would it be carbon based?
 
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  • #2
I think it pretty hard to correctly assume what ET is thinking if they were to fly by, are they running from something, exploring, looking for something they need, did they forget their towel somewhere in the vicinity of Beetleguise, or something that we can't even comprehend because we are as you said, we are little more than primitive bugs to them?

As for the second question, as far as we know probably, but there is insufficient data for a meaningful answer.
 
  • #3
In answer to your second question, carbon based chemistry is certainly one favourable option but there are multiple hypothetical alternative biochemistries.

Asking us to speculate on the motives of beings that we know nothing about (including their existence) is futile and against the site rules.
 

1. What is the likelihood of there being other forms of life in the universe?

The likelihood of there being other forms of life in the universe is highly probable. With billions of galaxies and trillions of stars in the observable universe, it is highly unlikely that Earth is the only planet capable of supporting life. In fact, scientists have discovered numerous exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) that have the potential to support life based on their distance from their respective stars and the presence of water.

2. How would the discovery of extraterrestrial life impact our understanding of our own significance?

The discovery of extraterrestrial life would greatly impact our understanding of our own significance. It would challenge our belief that Earth is the only planet capable of supporting life and force us to reevaluate our place in the universe. It could also provide insights into the origins and evolution of life on Earth and potentially offer new perspectives on our own existence and purpose.

3. What role does carbon-based life play in the search for extraterrestrial life?

Carbon-based life is a crucial aspect in the search for extraterrestrial life. Carbon is a versatile element that is essential for the building blocks of life, such as DNA and proteins. Carbon-based life forms are also able to adapt and thrive in a wide range of environments, making them more likely to exist on other planets. Therefore, scientists often focus their search for extraterrestrial life on planets that have similar conditions to Earth and the potential for carbon-based life.

4. What advancements in technology have helped us in the search for extraterrestrial life?

Advancements in technology have greatly aided in the search for extraterrestrial life. The development of powerful telescopes and space probes has allowed us to observe and study exoplanets in detail, looking for signs of habitability and potential life. Additionally, advancements in genetics and molecular biology have helped us better understand the building blocks and conditions necessary for life to exist, guiding our search for extraterrestrial life.

5. How does the discovery of Earth-like planets impact the search for extraterrestrial life?

The discovery of Earth-like planets has significantly impacted the search for extraterrestrial life. These planets, also known as "Goldilocks" planets, are located in the habitable zone of their respective stars and have similar conditions to Earth, making them prime candidates for harboring life. The discovery of these planets has expanded our understanding of the potential diversity of life in the universe and has given scientists more specific targets for future exploration and study.

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