Microscopic Alien life found on British Balloon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around claims made by British scientists regarding the discovery of potential alien life forms found in the stratosphere, following a balloon expedition. Participants explore the implications of these claims, the credibility of the sources, and alternative explanations for the findings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a claim by scientists led by Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe that organisms found in a balloon expedition can only have originated from space.
  • Others, like Phil Plait, argue against the validity of these claims, suggesting they are unfounded.
  • A participant mentions a previous thread where the consensus was that the claims were considered "bunk."
  • One participant proposes an alternative theory that the organisms could have been projected into the stratosphere by volcanic eruptions, expressing hope that the findings could indicate extraterrestrial life.
  • Concerns are raised about the credibility of the Journal of Cosmology, which published the claims, with some participants noting its history of questionable reliability and accusations of promoting fringe viewpoints.
  • Another participant emphasizes skepticism regarding the findings, citing the journal's lack of acceptance in recognized scientific circles and its reputation for unsubstantiated claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with significant skepticism about the claims of alien life. There is no consensus, as some participants remain open to the possibility while others firmly dismiss the findings as unreliable.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations regarding the credibility of the sources involved and the speculative nature of the claims. Participants note the journal's reputation and the implications of its past publications on the current claims.

wasteofo2
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...ge-atmosphere-picks-organisms-come-space.html

"British scientists believe they have found evidence alien life after sending a balloon to the edge of space.

The team of scientists sent a balloon 27km into the stratosphere and captured small biological organisms they say can only have come from space.

The group, headed up by astrobiologist Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe, claims the 'seeds of life' have been transported between planets by passing meteors."

article-2416761-1BBB2B15000005DC-676_306x323.jpg

article-2416761-1BBB2A0D000005DC-260_306x323.jpg

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Is this complete nonsense or what? I am too lay to determine on my own.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
There was another thread on this. Consensus was ... bunk !
 
Xenomorphs running around soon enough
 
Upon further research it turns out that the group responsible for this "discovery" are called The Journal of Cosmology" and they've claimed to find alien life many times before, their reliability has long been questioned and their papers are reviewed by other similar groups.

I'd take this news with a pinch of salt. Which is a shame really... it still could be real, but when you cry wolf, not many people will take you seriously

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_of_Cosmology
 
Appears to be rubbish

From this thread https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=711343

The "Journal of Cosmology" is not a recognized journal by Thompson Reuters Master Journal list, so it is not accepted by PF. This is where they posted their unsubstantiated claims.

As the article you posted even states
the Journal of Cosmology has had its reputation called into question more than once by other members of the scientific community.

More on it's crackpottery

Reliability

The quality of peer review at the journal has been questioned.[2][3][4][5][6][7] The journal has also been accused of promoting fringe viewpoints and speculative viewpoints on astrobiology, astrophysics, and quantum physics. Skeptical blogger and biologist PZ Myers said of the journal "... it isn't a real science journal at all, but is the... website of a small group... obsessed with the idea of Hoyle and Wickramasinghe that life originated in outer space and simply rained down on Earth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_of_Cosmology#Reliability

I think we can dismiss the findings claimed in the article for now.
 

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