Exploring the Cosmos: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Place in the Universe

NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft

Life on other planets

The Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox are fundamental concepts in the discourse over the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth. The Drake Equation, established by Frank Drake in 1961, is a probabilistic hypothesis employed to approximate the quantity of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. The analysis takes into account variables such as the star formation rate, the proportion of stars having planetary systems, and the quantity of planets that have the capacity to sustain life [6]. This equation has ignited various scientific and philosophical discussions over the presence of extraterrestrial life. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the equation is based on speculation and its variables are characterised by significant ambiguity.

The Fermi Paradox, coined after physicist Enrico Fermi, refers to the seeming contradiction between the strong likelihood of the existence of extraterrestrial civilisations and the absence of any evidence or communication with these civilisations. Although the universe contains a considerable quantity of stars and planets, we have not yet observed any indications of sentient life [5]. This dilemma prompts inquiries regarding our comprehension of the cosmos and the essence of life itself. This prompts us to contemplate the technological progressions necessary for interplanetary communication and the possible causes for the absence of communication.

These two notions emphasise the intricacy and ambiguity in the quest for alien life. Although the Drake Equation indicates a high probability of the existence of sentient life, the Fermi Paradox serves as a reminder of our current state of being alone in the observable universe. This division between two contrasting ideas provides the impetus for continuous investigation and discussion in the field of astrobiology and the quest for alien intelligence. As we further investigate the cosmos, these ideas act as a compass, moulding our comprehension of our position in the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The search for alien life is not solely a scientific pursuit, but also an exploration of comprehending our own existence and position in the universe.

Requirements of a planet and its star to sustain life

Astrobiology and exobiology are interdisciplinary domains that investigate the possibility of life existing outside of Earth. They explore the intricate and multifaceted requirements of a planet and its star to support life. Primarily, the positioning of the planet in regard to its star, referred to as the habitable zone or “Goldilocks zone”, is of utmost importance. The circumstellar habitable zone is the region surrounding a star where the environmental circumstances are conducive for the presence of liquid water on the surface of a planet, with temperatures neither excessively hot nor excessively cold. Water is an essential prerequisite for life as we understand it [4].

Furthermore, the planet’s atmosphere exerts a substantial influence. The chemical composition must possess the appropriate components, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur, to sustain life. These components constitute the fundamental elements of life on our planet. The atmosphere must possess sufficient density to shield the planet from detrimental solar and cosmic radiation. The attributes of the parent star hold equal significance. The habitability of its planets can be significantly affected by the size, temperature, and age of the star. Smaller and cooler stars may have habitable zones located at a shorter distance from them. However, the planets orbiting these stars could be tidally locked, resulting in significant variations in temperature. Conversely, larger and hotter stars may possess habitable zones that are farther away, but their higher luminosity might result in elevated quantities of detrimental radiation [3].

Moreover, it is desirable for the planet to possess a magnetic field in order to protect it against solar wind, which has the potential to gradually erode the atmosphere. Additionally, it is important for the planet to possess geological activity in order to effectively recycle carbon and maintain climate regulation [4]. To summarise, the quest for extraterrestrial life necessitates a meticulous evaluation of multiple variables. Astrobiology and exobiology explore the potential existence of life forms that may differ significantly from those found on Earth, expanding the scope of our quest beyond what we currently comprehend.

The search for other Earth-like planets

The quest for Earth-like planets is a captivating pursuit that utilizes several advanced techniques. An example of such a technique is the Transit Photometry approach, which has been successfully employed by missions such as the NASA Kepler Space Telescope. Transit Photometry is a technique used to identify remote planets by precisely measuring the slight decrease in brightness of a star when a planet in orbit crosses in front of it from the perspective of Earth. A ‘transit’ refers to the phenomenon when a planet passes between the star and the viewer [2]. During a planetary transit, the star’s light is partially obstructed by the planet, resulting in a slight decrease in the star’s brightness. Through the observation of these periodic decreases, which manifest when the planet is in a consistent orbital path, scientists can deduce the existence of a planet.

The Kepler Space Telescope, which was launched by NASA in 2009, has successfully employed this technique. Kepler conducted continuous surveillance of the luminosity of more than 150,000 stars within a stationary field of vision, in search of the distinctive reductions in light intensity. As of its conclusion in 2018, this project has achieved remarkable success, resulting in the identification of more over 2,600 verified exoplanets [1]. Nevertheless, the Transit Photometry approach does possess certain constraints. The detection of planets using this method necessitates a meticulous alignment of the star, planet, and observer, resulting in the ability to only identify a minute portion of the overall quantity of planets around a particular star. Moreover, it has better efficacy in detecting massive exoplanets that have a near proximity to their host stars, as these celestial bodies induce a more pronounced reduction in the star’s luminosity [2].

Notwithstanding these difficulties, the Transit Photometry technique and the Kepler mission have greatly enhanced our comprehension of the cosmos. They have demonstrated that the prevalence of Earth-like planets may exceed prior estimations, so advancing our progress towards resolving the timeless inquiry: Is there any other intelligent life in the cosmos?

The SETI Institute

The SETI Institute, a non-profit organization focused on the investigation of extraterrestrial life, is presently backing a pioneering initiative that combines knowledge from various disciplines like neuroscience, quantum physics, and space exploration. The project, titled “Doppelgängers 3”, is both a research initiative and a feature film directed by Dr. Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, a filmmaker based in London and a Designer of Experiences at the SETI Institute. The initiative seeks to question traditional accounts of space colonization by incorporating a wide range of viewpoints, therefore enhancing our comprehension of life in the cosmos [7].

“Doppelgängers 3” highlights the significance of recognizing collective trauma and its effects, which is an emerging area of study in neuropsychology research. The project interlaces the narratives of three individuals from diverse locations, envisioning a utopian society on the moon that draws wisdom from history and strives for a future that embraces and values diversity and multiplicity. The utilization of this storytelling technique offers a distinct viewpoint on the human element of space travel, which is sometimes disregarded in conventional scientific discussions [7].

The initiative also raises important enquiries regarding perspectives on space exploration, prompting a reassessment via a perspective that prioritises inclusivity, ethical considerations, and international thought. Its objective is to initiate discussions within the space science community and provide a valuable contribution to a collaborative research paper for the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). This approach emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary discourse in enhancing our comprehension of the universe.

“Doppelgängers 3” debuted at SXSW 2024, offering spectators an opportunity to actively explore audacious concepts and imaginative perspectives that defy conventional norms. The filmmakers aspire for their work to transcend being merely a film, but rather to serve as a catalyst for a movement aimed at dismantling colonial influences within the space industry and envisioning alternative futures that celebrate our collective humanity and variety [7].

To summarise, the SETI Institute’s endorsement of these groundbreaking initiatives illustrates its dedication to pioneering methods of comprehending our position in the universe. This emphasizes the significance of multidisciplinary research and varied viewpoints in the pursuit of comprehending the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe. This research serves as a prime example of the SETI Institute’s objective to investigate, comprehend, and elucidate the source and characteristics of life in the cosmos, and to utilise the acquired information to motivate and direct current and future generations.

Doppelgängers3, A film by Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian

Thoughts and conclusions

The investigation of life beyond Earth is a subject that elicits a feeling of awe and inquisitiveness. It expands the limits of our comprehension and prompts us to contemplate beyond our earthly constraints. The potential existence of life in other parts of the universe is a profound notion that carries substantial consequences for our comprehension of life, our position in the cosmos, and our prospects as a species. The Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox offer captivating insights into the potential presence of alien species. They emphasise the immense expanse of the universe and the many potentialities it encompasses, while also emphasising our present isolation within the observable cosmos. These concepts act as a reminder of the immense scale of the task at hand and the intricacies involved in the quest for extraterrestrial intelligence.

The prerequisites for a planet and its star to support life emphasize the intricate equilibrium of conditions essential for life as we understand it. This statement highlights the distinctiveness of Earth and the exceptional combination of circumstances that have facilitated the thriving of life on our planet. Simultaneously, it also expands the potential for diverse organisms that could potentially thrive in alternative environments, thus expanding the range of our exploration. The utilization of techniques like Transit Photometry, as employed by the Kepler Space Telescope, showcases the resourcefulness and technological progress that propel the pursuit of Earth-like planets. They symbolize our unwavering quest for knowledge and our aspiration to explore the universe.

The SETI Institute’s supported initiatives, such as “Doppelgängers 3”, highlight the significance of interdisciplinary study and varied views in this undertaking. They question traditional accounts and inspire us to imagine a world that embraces and honors all kinds of life. Ultimately, the quest for alien life serves as evidence of our inquisitiveness, our advanced technological capabilities, and our unwavering optimism to discover fellow beings in the universe. This voyage encompasses more than just scientific investigation and delves into profound inquiries on our existence and our position in the cosmos.

Works Cited

1. (n.d.). Kepler / K2 – NASA Science. Science.nasa.gov. https://science.nasa.gov/mission/kepler/
2. Méndez, Abel. “On the Hunt for Another Earth.” American Scientist4 (2023): 242-247.
3. Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, René Heller, and Edward Guinan. “In search for a planet better than Earth: Top contenders for a superhabitable world.” Astrobiology12 (2020): 1394-1404.
4. Bennett, Jeffrey, et al. Life in the Universe. Princeton University Press, 2022.
5. Targowski, Andrew. “The Architecture of the Universe: A Look into Extraterrestrial Civilizations.” Comparative Civilizations Review86 (2022): 10.
6. Golden, Leslie M. “A joint mind consideration of the Drake equation in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.” Acta Astronautica185 (2021): 333-336.
7. Exploring New Futures in Space: A Revolutionary Integration of Neuroscience, Quantum Physics, and Space Exploration. (n.d.). SETI Institute. Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://www.seti.org/press-release/exploring-new-futures-space-revolutionary-integration-neuroscience-quantum-physics-and-space