Are Aliens Listening? Evidence for Intelligent Life in Space

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In summary, some people think that the lack of signals from aliens is a sign that we are alone in the universe, while others believe that if aliens exist they would have detected our signals by now. There is a small chance of detecting signals if they are beamed at a specific star, but otherwise it is unlikely.
  • #36
I like to think that it is probable that any life on other planets will have evolved (given the same Big Bang time scale, same physics applying, etc.) at the same rate everywhere. If there is intelligent life on an adjacent star(s) then I assume they would be at the same technological state of advancement. Therefore our signals would have crossed and if detectable and the source descernable a response would be most likely to be returned (would humans?). Then we are stuck exchanging information likely to little effect until a common language is devised. I would be interested as to the best way of transmitting these signals - a powerful xmtr. on the moon perhaps?

Do we invite some advanced race to come and see what a mess we are making of things? Unlikely there are such beings IMO as above. But if the are let's hope they don't have the conquering mindset of us humans!
 
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  • #37
happyhacker said:
I like to think that it is probable that any life on other planets will have evolved (given the same Big Bang time scale, same physics applying, etc.) at the same rate everywhere.
that is a completely unwarranted assumption and extremely unlikely (the rate, not the physics)
If there is intelligent life on an adjacent star(s) then I assume they would be at the same technological state of advancement.
Particular nonsensical.
 
  • #38
Justify your responses! And how can it be unwarranted in this context?
 
  • #39
happyhacker said:
Justify your responses! And how can it be unwarranted in this context?
No, it is you that must justify your assertions by showing us links to the mainstream scientific articles that are making such statements. That's how the PF works... :smile:
 
  • #40
happyhacker said:
I like to think that it is probable that any life on other planets will have evolved (given the same Big Bang time scale, same physics applying, etc.) at the same rate everywhere. If there is intelligent life on an adjacent star(s) then I assume they would be at the same technological state of advancement.
Consider the timescales involved - humans as a species have existed for a few hundred thousand years. Civilization for a few thousand. Technological civilization a few hundred.
Even if you assumed* that it takes precisely the same route for life to go from abiotic to civilization capable of communication on each and every planet, all you need is for their stellar system to coalesce from its molecular cloud a mere million years earlier or later to put unimaginable technological distance between us and them. What if it happened a billion years earlier?

*this assumption is similarly implausible, since there's no good reason to think that for civilization to develop life must go through the same evolutionary path and same extinction events, and same glaciations, same tectonic history... pretty much everything is a free variable.

For example, imagine where Earth's life would be today if there was no K-T extinction event (because the asteroid missed the planet)? Would descendants of dinosaurs develop civilization millions of years earlier? Or maybe intelligence would never appear in the form necessary for technological societies?
 
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  • #41
Thanks for you response. I'm wondering how the OP justified those points made.
 
  • #42
happyhacker said:
Thanks for you response. I'm wondering how the OP justified those points made.
He absolutely did not. He made an assumption (a very unlikely one) and discussed what might happen if his unlikely assumption just happened to be true. That is not even remotely the same as categorically stating, as you did, that the assumption is valid.

He said
if aliens were searching the heavens ...
 
  • #43
It is completely plausible that elsewhere in the Universe a life form could exist that is similarly or more highly advanced to what there is on Earth.
The problem is that it could be long in the past or future, and so far distant in space that communication is not remotely possible.
 
  • #44
rootone said:
It is completely plausible that elsewhere in the Universe a life form could exist that is similarly or more highly advanced to what there is on Earth.
The problem is that it could be long in the past or future, and so far distant in space that communication is not remotely possible.

I think the physics question should be "what range is it possible". Of course somethings might be further away. Expansion of the universe will also cut off a lot of places and prevent them from ever receiving a signal from earth.

Might help to narrow down to one signal. The Taldom transmitter broad casts at 261 kHz with 2.5 MW. Wikipedia says this is the largest on earth. Perhaps limit receiver size to diameter of planet earth.
 
<h2>1. Is there any evidence that aliens are listening to us?</h2><p>While there is no definitive proof, there have been some intriguing findings that suggest the possibility of intelligent life in space. For example, the discovery of exoplanets in the habitable zone and the detection of potential signals from other galaxies are some of the evidence that scientists are currently investigating.</p><h2>2. How do scientists search for signs of intelligent life in space?</h2><p>Scientists use a variety of methods to search for signs of intelligent life in space. These include listening for radio signals, looking for patterns in cosmic radiation, and studying the atmospheres of exoplanets for signs of life-sustaining conditions.</p><h2>3. What is the SETI project and how does it contribute to the search for intelligent life in space?</h2><p>The SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project is a scientific effort to detect and study signals from space that could potentially originate from intelligent life. It involves using powerful telescopes and advanced technology to scan the sky for any signs of intelligent communication.</p><h2>4. Have there been any promising findings in the search for intelligent life in space?</h2><p>While there have been some intriguing signals and potential discoveries, there has been no concrete evidence of intelligent life in space yet. However, the search is ongoing and scientists remain hopeful that we will one day find proof of other intelligent beings in the universe.</p><h2>5. What are some potential implications of discovering intelligent life in space?</h2><p>The discovery of intelligent life in space would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and our place in it. It could also have a profound impact on our society, religion, and technology. It could also open up new avenues for communication and potential collaborations with other intelligent beings.</p>

1. Is there any evidence that aliens are listening to us?

While there is no definitive proof, there have been some intriguing findings that suggest the possibility of intelligent life in space. For example, the discovery of exoplanets in the habitable zone and the detection of potential signals from other galaxies are some of the evidence that scientists are currently investigating.

2. How do scientists search for signs of intelligent life in space?

Scientists use a variety of methods to search for signs of intelligent life in space. These include listening for radio signals, looking for patterns in cosmic radiation, and studying the atmospheres of exoplanets for signs of life-sustaining conditions.

3. What is the SETI project and how does it contribute to the search for intelligent life in space?

The SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project is a scientific effort to detect and study signals from space that could potentially originate from intelligent life. It involves using powerful telescopes and advanced technology to scan the sky for any signs of intelligent communication.

4. Have there been any promising findings in the search for intelligent life in space?

While there have been some intriguing signals and potential discoveries, there has been no concrete evidence of intelligent life in space yet. However, the search is ongoing and scientists remain hopeful that we will one day find proof of other intelligent beings in the universe.

5. What are some potential implications of discovering intelligent life in space?

The discovery of intelligent life in space would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and our place in it. It could also have a profound impact on our society, religion, and technology. It could also open up new avenues for communication and potential collaborations with other intelligent beings.

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