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The basic question of whether life exists elsewhere in the Universe is not new. Throughout the history of mankind, people have looked towards the skies and wondered whether we are alone in space or whether some of the celestial bodies up there might be inhabited by other beings. What would they look like - and how could we contact them?
For many centuries, all attempts to provide an answer were purely speculative, but recently, the emergence of new technologies has vastly improved our possibilities to investigate this question in a much more scientific way. With new and powerful instruments and methods, scientists all over the world now carry out research in many different directions, as demonstrated on this website. The main research emphasis is within the natural sciences, in particular via biology (biochemistry) and (astro)physics and the many related disciplines. However, the entire question has much deeper implications than a research programme might normally have. The study of life forms on the Earth and the associated considerations about possible extraterrestrial life have deep social and philosophical implications that are of great relevance to our own existence.
During the past decade, the scientific discipline that is known as "bioastronomy" ("Life in the Universe") has progressed
dramatically. While it was earlier considered to be a somewhat suspect
occupation by a few idealists, it has now become a full-scale research
activity of numerous scientists working within an extremely wide
spectrum of disciplines. At the same time, it involves broad cultural aspects and it is no longer
synonymous with "Science
Fiction". At the beginning of the 21st century, the entire
subject has developed into a highly sophisticated, massive
interdisciplinary research effort, at many different sites and
levels.
Our general attitude to this basic question has changed throughout history and many philosophers have expressed a
wide variety of opinions on this. Nowadays, the subject of exobiology is surrounded by a rich lore of books and films and other forms of art.
Many rest on pseudo-scientific foundations, and most have a great
public appeal. It is fashionable to think about the cosmos and our
possible links to the Universe. In addition, theologians of the main
religions in the world
have also considered the associated implications from their points of
view. In fact, the question of whether we are alone in the Universe or
not is directly connected to one of the most fundamental questions we
may ask, namely why are we
here? Are we just one of many different life forms that has
developed during the past billions of years, or do we represent a
unique state, extremely rare and a wonderful result of a fantastic
chance? Or is there a higher reason behind our existence that we do
not know, but may speculate about? Many scientists believe that, if life is really present elsewhere
in the Universe, there is a good chance that we may find it within the
next few decades. This might be in the form of fossilised organic
structures in a comet or on a planet in the solar system, or it may be by
detecting intelligent signals that
were emitted by an alien civilisation. What will be the consequences? How
will the discovery of extraterrestrial life influence ourselves and
our existence on Earth? What will be the reaction of
the public, the politicians, the scientists, of you and me?
And then, what are the chances to establish "contact" with such life, especially
with other civilisations? Will we attempt to start a dialogue over those vast
distances, especially if we have to wait many years for an answer? How can
we ever hope to make ourselves understood, and how can we possibly
decipher those messages from the others? Or will we rather, at some later moment when the technology has
advanced and the funds permit, attempt to travel outwards to visit those
neighbours? When will the human race begin to expand into space? Not all answers can be given at this moment and we don't even know
all the questions that will arise. However, the very fact that serious
attention is now being given by the world-wide society to those
fundamental aspects of our existence is in itself of great
importance. It is the best proof that we are on the verge of a new age in which we will begin the true exploration of our own origins and surroundings.
Life in the Universe |
Last updated October 30, 2001
Social Implications
Science roots (History, Philosophy) (To be added soon!)