From that day when man looked heavenwards and allowed his mind to open, to wander and explore, a daunting question evolved to haunt us until we find an answer: Is there anybody out there, or are we alone in the universe? It is a question that may not be answered in my lifetime or in the many lifetimes after me. I am just a layman, and I am just a dilettante in nature and in science. But, I do subscribe to one theory as to what the answer may possibly be.

Many, if not most scientists believe that life exists elsewhere beyond the reaches of our planet. Playing the numbers game, they are almost surely correct. Any place that has water, as well as other element such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, et al, increases the likelihood that the most smallest viral or bacterial life form may exist. This possibility widens if the planets exist within the Goldilocks Zone of its home star. Depending upon a planet’s chemical and atmospheric makeup, and depending upon its size, its own gravitational qualities, effects from its sun or another heat producing planet and the gravitational pull produced by them, it is possible for a more advanced form of life to exist on another planet or satellite. And that is going on the assumption that all life forms can only be carbon based.

This is where the game of numbers that scientists like to rely upon comes in. Within our own galaxy, the Milky Way, there are an estimated 250 billion stars stretched out over a hundred to a hundred and fifty light years (Times this by an estimated 5.8 trillion miles to a light year). To add to that, there are TRIllions of galaxies, which, numerically speaking means there may be 100 billion trillion stars (at least a 100 to the 41st power) in the universe. Depending upon future discoveries, that astronomical figure can soar well beyond. But, that is speaking in terms of the universe, and at this time, it is a lot for even the scientific mind to fathom. Furthermore, there are estimated millions of light years that separate most galaxies. So, for simplicity’s sake, let’s confine our rationalization to the 250 billion stars within our home galaxy.

(To divert a bit from this piece, there are several theories as to the expected life of the universe. The most popular theory, based upon accrued data from the Hubbell and other exotic telescopes, it has been observed that the universe is expanding even faster than the speed of light [?…wow, that again is another puzzle to ponder]. Based upon this observation, it is speculated that our universe may go on for a 100 trillion years or more.)

Naturally, not all stars are capable of contributing to a possible life source, and many may not have any planets circling around its body. There are, however, many stars the size of our own sol, and there are the hotter dwarf stars that are capable of providing that source within its own system. Using the process of elimination, planets have to be located in the “goldilocks” zone, and this immediately reduces a large number of planets that are not. We can also assume that only ten percent of the stars are hosts to planets that circle around them. That reduces the number to 25 billion stars, and as with our own solar system, we assume that the average number of planets circling each star is nine, which leaves us 225 billion planets (let’s not include their moons that could make the number many times greater). If, again based upon our own solar system and earth’s relationship to our sun (the goldilocks zone), only one planet is capable of sustaining life, that brings the number back to 25 billion planets. Now, if we again reduce the feasible number of planets down to only ten percent, it still leaves us with 2.5 billion planets that are capable of sustaining not only life, but possibly intelligent life. The numbers are a good argument to support the theory that life, be it intelligent or sentient or both, exists elsewhere. Lastly, through our space satellites, there have been approximately 900 planets discovered, none of which are deemed to be capable to sustaining sentient lifeforms (as we know it).

In determining the age of our own solar system, we are about 4 to 5 billion years old, with the earth being on the younger side. All solar systems within our galaxy, and others for that matter, are formed from the cosmic dust left over from the Big Bang and from the death of older systems. In comparison, while there are a number of solar systems older than ours, many are younger. To go one step further, galaxies are known to collide, and within four or so billion years, the Milky Way will be gobbled up by the Andromeda Galaxy. Not to worry however, the merging does not necessarily mean the destruction of either galaxy. Still, that is some time into the future, giving mankind time to grow and, hopefully, to expand and find refuge elsewhere within the galaxy.

Some noted scientists, to include the esteemed Stephen W. Hawking, throw us an interesting curve ball. As Hawking suggests, ‘if we go out there in search of life we should do so with our heads bowed low’, for if we find intelligent life it may be so far superior to our own that it may look downwards upon us, and even find us to be a nuisance. That being said, the outcome could be very devastating. On the other hand, if that life is so intelligent, they may well become our benefactors. Both ways, free man is a creature that loves to explore and learn, and unless religious or social fanaticism here on earth impedes our desires, it is most likely man’s destiny to continue to reach beyond our own world regardless of the risks. Not to try and contradict the great man, Hawking, there is a strong possibility that if there is sentient and intelligent life elsewhere, it is very possible that they may not be as advanced as the human race.

In a bit of a contrast to most modern scientists, about fifty years ago physicist Enrico Fermi presented us with the Fermi Paradox: If there is intelligent life out there, then why haven’t they contacted us? Today, decades later, it remains a very good question. There are some very plausible reasons why. It is very possible that the conditions here on earth, to include atmosphere, the size of our planet and the effects of its gravitational pull to different life forms, and our natural resources may make our globe an unattractive target. There are other possible reasons, but first and most simple is that they may not even know we exist.

When you consider that light, which travels at 180,000 miles per second or approximately 5.8 trillion miles per year, the distance is great. At this speed it would take us approximately four years to reach our nearest neighboring solar system. Intelligent life that may exist 250,000,000 light year miles away from us may not find it feasible for them to explore our portion of the galaxy. Even if they may possibly be a hundred times more technically advanced than we are, they may not have found ways to travel beyond the speed of light. Einstein has told us that nothing can travel faster than light, but that if it could, each pound of a vehicle travelling would consume energy one hundred times its own weight thereby making ftl travel impractical. However, quantum mechanics scientists leave open the possible dispelling of that theory. Tachyons have been theorized to exceed that speed, but the drawback is that no one has been able to capture a tachyon and study it to advance this theory. However, wormholes, folding space, and time dilation or expansion are among other quantum tools being studied to perhaps one day enable us to exceed faster than light travel. At the present time, they are just tools of theory that only a few minds are capable of conceiving of its concept. Perhaps in the future, when our human minds are expanded through better scientific education, and through trial and error and through applied experience, we may succeed in putting these theories into practice.

Despite the logical and rational usage of the numbers game, there is one theory that very few scientists are willing to explore: What if we are alone in the universe? Furthermore, is it possible that it is man’s destiny to grow, to evolve, and to expand its growth throughout the universe? Is the concept too egotistical? Too narcissistic? To some thinkers, this is a charlatan concept bordering upon being sacrilegious. In an attempt to not closing our minds, I disagree. To try to explain, let us try to use numbers in a different manner. (p.s.: I am not a mathematician, so please forgive me if my numerical theories are a bit vague.)

During these periods of time, and with the assumption that we will conquer the impediments of space travel, this leaves us with ample time to jump from one solar system to another, and then, perhaps in several thousand years, from one galaxy to another.

Now, let’s consider man, himself. In primitive form, we first began to walk upon this planet a mere 100,000 to 200,000 years ago; only days ago when we consider the reported age of the universe, and only months when we consider the age of earth. However, it is only a mere second when we consider the life expectancy of the whole thing. We, the homo-sapiens, are anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 years old. Providing we don’t catch a severe case of the Rhino virus, or fall off a cliff, blow ourselves up, or allow ourselves to be beaten back into being idiots by fanatics, and allow the human species to evolve, we still have a good deal of that 100 trillion years ahead of us.

Consider now that it was only within the last 10,000 thousand years that man improved his tools, gazed at the stars, formed not only language but also mathematics, and built the pyramids. All, within a blink of an eye. Skipping past the last five millennia, let us look at what we have accomplished within just the last fifty years: venturing out into space to circle our planet, walking on the moon, sending small vehicles out to land on other worlds, the explosive advance in computer technology, prolonging life, and widening our knowledge. All of this was done within a nanosecond of time. No other species on earth, and quite possibly on other worlds, have had such as much advancement within an extremely short period of time.

Given the age of the universe and its expected life span, Earth, our solar system, the Milky Way, and indeed the universe itself is barely out of its diapers. Give or take a few billion years, as humans, in one form or another, we have a long future to look forward to. If we have accomplished so much within just fifty years, the future is wide open to expand beyond what is currently imaginable. Within time, perhaps the next fifty years, one hundred years, or even a thousand, we may bear the fruits of our quantum mechanic geniuses. We may be able to exceed the brilliance of Albert Einstein and conquer ftl travel. We may then be able to explore our galaxy and settle other habitable worlds. We may find other intelligent life or at least sentient life. We may then be able to continue to evolve as a species, eliminating or minimizing our imperfections through growth and education. And, even if it took us a billion years to do this, we may still have almost 100 trillion years to enjoy the fruits of our accomplishments. We may still have plenty more time to further reach out and explore the billions of other galaxies…providing they do not race too far away from us. By then, in theory, it is possible that the laws of gravity, of dark matter, and of dark energy may reverse itself and the universe may begin to contract upon itself. On the other hand, if the universe is somewhat finite by curving in on itself, we may one day meet our past.

Some of us may question: ‘Why should I be concerned? I won’t be here to see it.’ I understand, and I accept this viewpoint. As someone who not only values this lifetime but also the overall outlook for man and his future potential, there is the alternate viewpoint that I can understand and tend to believe in. To some people there is almost a spiritual aspect to it all.

About thirty years ago, through science fiction and the television production of Star Trek: The Next Generation and later Star Trek Voyager, we were introduced to a character named Q. He was an advanced and omnipotent being who was able to snap his finger and go from one place in the galaxy to another. The only downfall that befell him and the Q species was that his race had advanced to its limitations. Consequently, it led to complacency and boredom. In a spiritual sense, if we believe in Him, it may be that God, who may very well have created us to his image and likeness, has intended for us to advance and grow and to one day become his equal. Together, God and mankind, along with other life forms, can then live in a universe of tranquility and enjoy the wonders of the entire inner and extraterrestrial world around us. The only test that would remain for us is to not let fate victimize us as it did ‘Q’.

What if we are all alone in the Universe? (author of the answer unknown)

The vastness of the cosmos and the sheer number of potentially habitable planets suggest that life may exist elsewhere, but it is also possible that Earth is unique in its ability to host life, leaving us as the lone intelligent species in the universe. This scenario, while perhaps less thrilling than the idea of a cosmos teeming with life, carries its own profound implications for our understanding of ourselves, our place in the universe, and our responsibility as custodians of our planet.

If we were to discover that we are indeed alone in the universe, it would fundamentally alter our perception of our own significance. As the only known intelligent life forms in existence, we would suddenly become the sole bearers of the cosmic torch of consciousness, carrying the weight of understanding and exploration on our shoulders. This revelation would likely inspire a deep sense of responsibility to preserve and nurture our own existence, as well as that of the diverse array of life forms that share our planet. The knowledge that we are alone would drive home the importance of safeguarding Earth’s delicate ecosystems and the countless species that inhabit them, for they would represent the sum total of life in the universe.

The realization that we are alone in the universe would likely spark a renewed interest in space exploration and the search for other habitable worlds. As the only intelligent species with the capability to traverse the stars, we would be compelled to venture out into the cosmos, seeking new homes for our species and unlocking the mysteries of the universe along the way. In the absence of other civilizations to learn from or interact with, it would be up to us to chart our own course through the vast expanse of space, driven by a mixture of curiosity, determination, and the innate human desire to explore and discover.

A universe devoid of other intelligent life would also have profound philosophical implications, forcing us to reevaluate our understanding of life, consciousness, and the very nature of existence. As the only known conscious beings in the cosmos, we would be faced with the daunting task of grappling with our own purpose and meaning, without the guidance or perspective of other civilizations to draw upon. This scenario would likely spur a surge in philosophical inquiry, as we seek to understand the implications of our solitary existence and the responsibilities that come with it.

The knowledge that we are alone in the universe would have the potential to unite humanity in a way that few other revelations could. Stripped of the possibility of encountering other intelligent life forms, we would be forced to confront the reality that we are all in this cosmic journey together, bound by our shared biology and the fragile planet we call home. This recognition of our common fate could inspire a greater sense of global unity and cooperation, as we work together to solve the pressing challenges facing our species and the planet we inhabit. As the sole intelligent species in existence, we would be free to forge our own destiny, unencumbered by the influence or interference of other civilizations. This freedom would come with a great responsibility, as we would be tasked with preserving our unique heritage and ensuring the continuation of life in the universe.

Ultimately, whether we are alone or surrounded by a multitude of other intelligent species, the most important question remains the same: how will we, as a species, choose to use our knowledge, our capabilities, and our collective power to shape the future of our planet and the universe beyond?

Can the answer to the Fermi Paradox be: We don’t see evidence of advanced alien civilisations because they always destroy their planets with runaway climate change? Franklin Vereaux, Professional Science Writer.

That’s one of the “we’re doomed” scenarios, yes.

There are three broad classes of answers to the Fermi Paradox:

• We’re first
• We’re rare
• We’re doomed

Very briefly, and handwaving over details, the classes are something like this:

We’re first. Yes, the universe is 13 billion years and change old, but is only just now becoming hospitable for sapient, spacefaring, tool-and-metatool-using life.

First generation stars have no metallicity; there were no heavier elements at all. All the heavier elements required that entire first generation to be formed, create heavier elements through stellar nucleosynthesis and neutron star mergers. You’ll never have life near a first generation star; indeed, you can’t have planets around a first generation star. There’s nothing to make planets or life forms out of!

Second generation stars don’t have enough heavier elements. It’s only with third generation stars and later that you have enough materials for life.

Also the early universe was inhospitable to life. Gamma ray bursts, quasars…you’d incinerate life as fast as it formed. Only now is the universe becoming calm enough and quiet enough. We’re quite literally the first generation, or among the first generation, of sapient civilizations in the universe.

We’re rare. Standard doctrine is we’re on an average planet orbiting an average star in an average galaxy, so there ought to be plenty of places similar to this, places just as likely to produce not only life but life roughly similar to ours.

What if that’s not true? We look around at exoplanets and see a lot of really weird shit: planets that rain molten glass, ocean worlds tidally locked to their stars, and stuff even weirder than that.

What if we’re the outliers? What if our weird axial tilt and our unusually large but unusually distant moon—both the result of an early collision between two planets—are vital to the evolution of life on earth, because of rhythmic tides and seasons? What if our entire solar system is an outlier? We might be the only ones in our neighborhood (relatively speaking) because some aspect of this planet is very weird and rare and we simply don’t know it.

Or maybe meta tool-using sapience isn’t as inevitable as we think. There are tons of planets with microbial life but few with multicellular life. Or tons with simple low-energy multicellular anaerobic life but few places evolve oxygenic photosynthesis.

We’re doomed. This is the “great filter” hypothesis. Life is common. Sapient life is common. Metatool-using, technological, cooperative, civilized life is common. The normal progression of such life is self-destructive, because the very things that allow and enable cooperative civilizations are also inevitably associated with factors like tribalistic aggression. You literally can’t have one without the other; they are two sides of the same thing. Sapience is inherently, by its very nature , unstable.