Do aliens exist? If they did, would we know? | NASA astronomer Michelle Thaller | Big Think
Big Think・9 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.
