Do aliens exist? If they did, would we know? | NASA astronomer Michelle Thaller | Big Think

Big Think2 minutes read

There is a possibility of other life forms in the universe due to the abundance of stars and planets. Scientists are actively searching for signs of extraterrestrial life, with the public also playing a role in scientific discoveries.

Insights

  • The vast number of stars and planets in our galaxy leads scientists to believe there could be other life in the universe.
  • Transparency, collaboration, and the involvement of citizen scientists are crucial in exploring potential signs of extraterrestrial life and sharing findings with the public.

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Recent questions

  • Is there life on other planets?

    Yes

  • What is a Dyson sphere?

    Energy-collecting structure

  • How do scientists search for extraterrestrial life?

    Observing starlight variations

  • What sparked speculation of alien solar collectors?

    Unusual star brightness dips

  • How can the public contribute to scientific discoveries?

    Citizen science projects

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Summary

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"Searching for Alien Life in Universe"

  • Scientists believe there could be other life in the universe due to the vast number of stars and planets in our galaxy alone.
  • Freeman Dyson proposed the concept of a Dyson sphere, a structure built around a star to collect energy for an advanced civilization.
  • The Kepler mission discovered thousands of planets by observing starlight variations caused by planets passing in front of stars.
  • An unusual star with significant brightness dips sparked speculation of alien solar collectors, but further investigation revealed it was a dust cloud.
  • Scientists, including those at SETI, actively investigate potential signs of extraterrestrial life and are open to the possibility.
  • The public can contribute to scientific discoveries, as seen with citizen scientists aiding in data analysis.
  • Despite the lack of evidence for alien civilizations, scientists remain excited about the prospect of discovering life beyond Earth.
  • Transparency and collaboration in scientific research ensure that any potential findings are thoroughly explored and shared with the public.
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