A Sea of Dying Stars and Empty Planets
I love Podcasts! This week I stumbled upon the podcast, This American Life. In their latest podcast episode, they tackle the questions that Fermi's paradox raises. I will link the podcast episode at the end of the post: If you are into aliens and space give it a listen. When it comes to Fermi's paradox, one question intrigues me above all else: Are we truly alone in the Universe?
For you to understand the significance of Fermi's paradox; you first have to learn about the Drake Equation. The Drake equation attempts to calculate the estimated number of planets that contain intelligent life in the galaxy as well as the universe. Once all the values are inputted into the long equation; the result suggests that given the number of planets in the galaxy, intelligent life exists in millions of planets in the Milky Way galaxy.
However, some scientists have criticized the equation due to some of the values inputted into the equation are speculated. If we go along with Drake's results, we can conclude the chances of finding extraterrestrial life in our galaxy are pretty high.
Now that you've learned about the Drake equation, we can tackle the Fermi paradox. The Fermi paradox states that if the chances of finding intelligent life are so high; where are they? I think this is a fair question to ask and an intriguing question at that. According to the Fermi paradox, the reason is that there is nothing out there but dying stars and empty planets.
Think about that idea for a second. You woke up this morning not consciously thinking about the existence of extraterrestrial life, but subconsciously it was in the back of your head that life outside earth is possible. Now, it is later in the day while you are reading this; we are all that is and will ever be in this big sea of stars. How lonely is that? How does that make you feel?
When it comes to wondering about space, I tend to stand more with the vision of Frank Drake and his hopeful equation. One of the possible explanations discussed in the podcast that attempts to answer why we haven't made contact with other intelligent life; is that maybe they know about us but have decided that we are not ready. I like this theory. It is hopeful.
I hope that we are not alone. I also hope that this question provokes a reaction and emotion inside of you. Lastly, I hope that from time to time; you stop whatever it is that you are doing. Go outside. Look up at the stars and appreciate the view by pondering the meaning of life. Trust me. It is good for the soul.
Fun fact: The Milky Way galaxy contains about 100 billion planets
This American Life Podcast
For you to understand the significance of Fermi's paradox; you first have to learn about the Drake Equation. The Drake equation attempts to calculate the estimated number of planets that contain intelligent life in the galaxy as well as the universe. Once all the values are inputted into the long equation; the result suggests that given the number of planets in the galaxy, intelligent life exists in millions of planets in the Milky Way galaxy.
However, some scientists have criticized the equation due to some of the values inputted into the equation are speculated. If we go along with Drake's results, we can conclude the chances of finding extraterrestrial life in our galaxy are pretty high.
Now that you've learned about the Drake equation, we can tackle the Fermi paradox. The Fermi paradox states that if the chances of finding intelligent life are so high; where are they? I think this is a fair question to ask and an intriguing question at that. According to the Fermi paradox, the reason is that there is nothing out there but dying stars and empty planets.
Think about that idea for a second. You woke up this morning not consciously thinking about the existence of extraterrestrial life, but subconsciously it was in the back of your head that life outside earth is possible. Now, it is later in the day while you are reading this; we are all that is and will ever be in this big sea of stars. How lonely is that? How does that make you feel?
When it comes to wondering about space, I tend to stand more with the vision of Frank Drake and his hopeful equation. One of the possible explanations discussed in the podcast that attempts to answer why we haven't made contact with other intelligent life; is that maybe they know about us but have decided that we are not ready. I like this theory. It is hopeful.
I hope that we are not alone. I also hope that this question provokes a reaction and emotion inside of you. Lastly, I hope that from time to time; you stop whatever it is that you are doing. Go outside. Look up at the stars and appreciate the view by pondering the meaning of life. Trust me. It is good for the soul.
Fun fact: The Milky Way galaxy contains about 100 billion planets
This American Life Podcast
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