Theories of The Existence of Other Life Forms in The Universe

Introduction

To think that we are the only living things in the universe is quite absurd. The Universe spans ninety-one billion light years, and we have only discovered four percent of it; the rest is just dark matter. Some theories claim that within the ninety-six percent yet to be explored, there can be no such thing as life. However, this unexplored expanse could harbor other galaxies, planets, black holes, and maybe even dimensions unknown to man.

Theories of The Existence of Other Life Forms in The Universe

If we broaden our understanding of what life could be, beyond carbon and water-based life forms, we might find millions of other species that have evolved differently, possessing unique technologies and lifestyles. If other life forms exist, what might they look like? Would they have grey skin and large, black, soulless eyes as often depicted in media, or could they resemble us, functioning similarly?

It's astonishing that humans make up less than one percent of the universe's known entities. The ninety-six percent still undiscovered is considered dark matter, where potentially millions of different planets, galaxies, and species might exist. Scientists have calculated around ten sextillion stars in the universe, equating to approximately ten thousand stars for every grain of sand on Earth. If one out of five of these stars is akin to our solar system's sun, that amounts to five hundred billion, billion suns. Scientists also estimate that one in five suns could have Earth-like planets capable of sustaining life, harboring diverse species and environments.

Conflicting theories suggest that no other life forms exist, arguing that our technology isn't advanced enough, or Earth is uniquely suitable for life, or even that life elsewhere is simply impossible. This perspective seems implausible, especially considering there are more stars in the universe than people on Earth. Many describe the universe as a sandbox, with the capacity to create and manipulate galaxies and planets.

Exploring Scientific Theories

There are various theories concerning life forms beyond our planet. The Probability Theory estimates there are one hundred to four hundred billion stars in our Milky Way Galaxy, with half hosting planets, averaging eight planets per star, along with numerous moons. The odds of Earth being the sole planet with life, even intelligent life, are one in eight hundred billion for planets. To refine these odds, scientists employ the Drake Equation, developed by Dr. Frank Drake, substituting variables with reasonable estimated values. One calculation suggests there are ten thousand civilized worlds in the Milky Way Galaxy (Drake, 1961).

Another theory, the Goldilocks Theory, posits that some planets may be too cold or too hot for life, while others may be just right. The ideal planet would sustain liquid water and have a moderate climate. It is estimated that there are eight trillion planets in the universe, and if one in eight had a star to maintain liquid water, the probability of being alone decreases from one in eight billion to one in ten billion. While these theories cannot be fully trusted, they hold potential truth. In the near future, NASA may develop technology that allows us to travel light years away, testing these theories (NASA, 2023).

Conclusion

There remains so much to uncover in this vast universe and a wealth of knowledge to gain. Every day, individuals conceive new equations, akin to Dr. Frank Drake's work, or create advanced technologies that could eventually enable us to traverse the universe. Although such journeys may take days, months, or even years, the experience could be invaluable, revealing phenomena beyond our current understanding. For all we know, aliens might already be on this planet, interacting with us, observing our behavior, and perhaps planning to one day claim Earth as their home.

References:

• Drake, F. (1961). "The Drake Equation".
• NASA. (2023). "NASA's Vision for Space Exploration".