Why Haven't We Found Aliens Yet?
Thoughty2・2 minutes read
Mankind has pondered the existence of extraterrestrial life and faces challenges in detecting civilizations due to the vastness of the universe and time it takes for signals to travel. The Drake Equation and Fermi Paradox raise questions about intelligent life, while the "Great Filter" theory proposes barriers that may prevent civilizations from being detectable.
Insights
- The Drake Equation, developed by astronomer Frank Drake, attempts to estimate the number of intelligent civilizations in the galaxy based on various factors like star formation and habitable planets, suggesting a wide range of potential civilizations from 1,000 to 100 million in our galaxy alone.
- The vastness of the universe, with billions of stars and galaxies, along with the challenges of detecting civilizations due to immense distances and time delays in signals, raises questions like the Fermi Paradox and the "Great Filter" theory, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the search for extraterrestrial life and the need for patience in unraveling this cosmic mystery.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
Are there aliens in Area 51?
No
How many Earth-sized planets are in the Milky Way?
40 billion
What is the Drake Equation?
Estimation of intelligent civilizations
What is the Fermi Paradox?
Absence of evidence for intelligent civilizations
Why is it challenging to detect intelligent life in the universe?
Immense distances and time involved
Related videos
Science Time
Brian Cox - Alien Life & The Great Filter Hypothesis
Destiny
These Paradoxes Keep Scientists Awake At Night! No Solutions!
Isaac Arthur
The Fermi Paradox: Late Filters
Sideprojects
5 Unsettling Solutions to the Fermi Paradox
PBS Space Time
What if Humans Are NOT Earth's First Civilization? | Silurian Hypothesis