Assignment Task:
For our last discussion we'll take on one of the most compelling questions astronomy has to offer: Are there other intelligent forms of life out there, or are we alone? To paraphrase Arthur C. Clarke, either answer is scary in its own way!
Readings:
In addition to your textbook readings, perform your own research or consider the following articles:
- The Fermi Paradox--nine ways to say "Where is everybody?!"
- Why the idea of alien life now seems inevitable and possibly imminent
- The 8-dimensional space that must be searched for alien life
- The Fermi paradox and the Drake equation
Questions
Q1. Discuss the plausibility of life in the universe drawing from the Drake equation, and what might be scientifically plausible solution to the "Fermi Paradox". What do you think is behind the "great silence"?
Q2. The Fermi Paradox might be broken at any time by evidence of actual aliens! Known as "first contact", this is imagined to be a pivotal moment in humanity's history. Suppose we discovered clear and indisputable evidence of the existence of an intelligent alien species living in a nearby planetary system. What do you think would change about your own worldview?