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The Universe Has Probably Hosted Many Alien Civilizations: Study
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Lynn Send message Joined: 20 Nov 00 Posts: 14162 Credit: 79,603,650 RAC: 123 |
Many other planets throughout the universe probably hosted intelligent life long before Earth did, a new study suggests. The probability of a civilization developing on a potentially habitable alien planet would have to be less than one in 10 billion trillion — or one part in 10 to the 22nd power — for humanity to be the first technologically advanced species the cosmos has ever known, according to the study. Take the quiz,and watch the video. :) http://www.space.com/10247-search-intelligent-life-universe.html#ooid=9ndHV4cDq_5VHoa_IWLp3XWwMCCFVLHu http://www.space.com/32793-intelligent-alien-life-probability-high.html |
William Rothamel Send message Joined: 25 Oct 06 Posts: 3756 Credit: 1,999,735 RAC: 4 |
That number is an estimate of all of the stars in the universe. What if only 5 planets in each Galaxy are truly earthlike, and what if each civilization lasts for only a few tens of thousands of years, and are separated by many light years in time. Most of us believe that a civilization at least comparable to our own or quite a bit more advanced has existed and maybe even is now co-temporaneous with us. The trick is to somehow find evidence over what may be unfathomable distances. |
Bob DeWoody Send message Joined: 9 May 10 Posts: 3387 Credit: 4,182,900 RAC: 10 |
Other than the satisfaction of knowing we are not alone it is not very likely that we will ever establish contact with any ETs or derive any benefit from the knowledge. The maker of the universe, if such an entity exists, has played a cruel joke on us by imposing an unbreakable speed limit on our travels about our galaxy. Bob DeWoody My motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow as it may not be required. This no longer applies in light of current events. |
Gordon Lowe Send message Joined: 5 Nov 00 Posts: 12094 Credit: 6,317,865 RAC: 0 |
The maker of the universe, if such an entity exists, has played a cruel joke on us by imposing an unbreakable speed limit on our travels about our galaxy. That's tragically funny, and a good way to put it, Bob. The mind is a weird and mysterious place |
tullio Send message Joined: 9 Apr 04 Posts: 8797 Credit: 2,930,782 RAC: 1 |
Subtle is the Lord, but not malicious (Albert Einstein). Tullio |
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