Our galaxy is only one of hundred of billions of other galaxies. There is a high probability that there are many other planets which have the carbon-rich complex molecules which have provided the building blocks for biological evolution. So if our question is about life in any form on other planets, it would seem unusual if there were not.
We known that on our planet, it took millions of years for simple life forms to evolve into more complex life forms. Since other planets have also had millions of years for biological evolution, again it would seem that on some planets more complex life forms must have evolved. Carl Sagan once put it this way:
“It seems very hard to believe that our paltry little planet is the only one that’s inhabited.”
Now the key question is: Does intelligent life exist on other planets? There are, of course, those who feel that intelligent life doesn’t actually exist on our own planet. Our problem in seeking answers to this question centers around what is meant by “intelligent”? Does this imply some sort of language? Perhaps complex technology? (Do they have iPhones?) Does this mean the existence of cities?
Humans—Homo sapiens—are bipedal (we walk upright on two legs), hairless, sex-obsessed, and sometimes prone to violence. Should we expect aliens from other planets to exhibit similar characteristics?
The Chinese government has already announced that it is going to build the world’s largest radio telescope which will help them search for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence.
Welcome to Street Prophets Saturday, an open thread cleverly located at the intersection of Politics and Religion. What are your thoughts about life on other planets?