Are we alone in the universe?
The most controversial question that haunts the world and its inhabitants is whether we are alone in this diverse universe or other sapient and intelligent extraterrestrial beings. According to probabilistic arguments, it is hypothesized that there is evidence of extraterrestrial life within the solar system (Lingam & Loeb, 2018). To support this postulate, tests performed in 1976 on soil samples from Mars hinted at some chemical evidence forms within the planet. In this experiment, a soil sample was mixed with radioactive carbon-nutrient and tested for radioactive methane gas. The positive outcome, which was the production of radioactive methane gas, suggested that some form of prokaryotic life may be existing on Mars (Bianciardi & Rizzo, 2015). It is believed that the simple forms of life in the soil sample were responsible for the nutrient metabolism, which led to the production of the radioactive gas.
In the same way, in 1996, NASA scientists discovered fossilized microbes in a martial rock. It is believed that the meteorite was blasted from Mars and wandered in the solar system for approximately 15 million years before plunging into the Antarctic, where it was found. A careful chemical analysis of the rock revealed tiny mineral magnetite specs found in Earth’s bacteria (Williford et al., 2018). Further, the Drake equation developed in 2001 to reveal the planets along the habitable zone within the solar system, containing liquid water and capable of carrying out photosynthesis, suggested that earth-like planets would exist within the solar system and are likely to come into existence probably hundreds of years to come. Interestingly, in the same year, scientists alluded that the red tinge in Jupiter’s moon resulted from frozen bits of bacterial microorganisms. In 2003 sulfur traces in Jupiter’s Europa moon was suggested to be the waste products of the metabolism of underground bacteria (Williford et al., 2018). Based on the above suggestions, it can be concluded that some form of terrestrial life may have existed on Mars when liquid water was available despite the evidence being equivocal. These life-forms are likely to exist in deep oceans below the ice covering Jupiter’s moon Europa.
Are extraterrestrial life-forms able to communicate, travel, or use machines?
Current studies indicate that conditions outside the earth are not friendly to support life. Low pressure, extreme temperature, and oxidizing radiation outside the world can degrade any living cells and denature DNA in any living cell (Netea et al., 2020). With these conditions, finding life-forms outside the world is almost unimaginable. Studies have indicated that some forms of bacteria can withstand these conditions when bound together in clumps. Colonies of Deinococcus bacteria, for example, have been found to withstand these conditions. It is believed that the clumped microbes survive because the outer layers of these microorganisms shield those that are in the clumped balls (Netea et al., 2020). With this evidence, there is likely evidence of life forms in Martial rocks, and Jupiter’s moon (Europa) may have existed perhaps millions of years ago when liquid water was available. Since eukaryotic living organisms are not able to survive in colonies as prokaryotes, the only life forms that exist outside the world are likely simple bacterial life-forms, perhaps in deep oceans found under the ice in one of Jupiter’s moons called Europa. Because of the primitive nature of these life-forms restrained within the ocean, it is imaginable that the life-forms outside the world cannot communicate, travel, or use machines.
Is the science in the story valid or fiction?
The science in the story of the extraterrestrial presence is fiction. According to current astrobiology studies, there is no life beyond earth, and no evidence of terrestrial or alien life has been discovered (Stevenson et al., 2014). However, this does not imply that the universe is void and lifeless. While no sign of life has been detected, the likelihood of extraterrestrial biology is increasingly plausible. By exploring the earth’s extreme life, experimenting how current life began, understanding the chemical composition of the cosmos, and by testing the possible habitable missions in Mars and some moons such as Europa, it is possible to analyze, explain, and characterize the extraterrestrial life dimensions.
In case of a catastrophe, are we able to survive?
The global climate has significantly changed throughout human history. In the last 650,000 years, the earth has experienced repeated cycles of glacial changes, with the abrupt end of the Ice Age taking place about 11,700 years ago (Harris, 2019). The end of this age marked the beginning of modern climate and human civilization. This modern age is characterized by climate changes characterized by increased temperature due to solar energy’s amount reaching the earth’s surface. The current climate change is of specific significance because it is mostly a result of human activities. Since the 20th century, global warming has increased at an unprecedented rate. Data from space technologies indicates that global warming is changing at a worrying trend due to the massive production of carbon (IV) oxide.
In particular, data from these technologies has revealed that the heat-trapping capacity of greenhouse gases is increasing almost exponentially since the beginning of human civilization (Harris, 2019). It is, therefore, unquestionable that the increase in temperature will lead to an increase in global warming if control measures are not taken into consideration. In addition to this, taking the idea of astronomers that the sun will at one time run out of nuclear energy intensifies the worries surrounding global warming and the eventual catastrophic aftermath of the earth. It is believed that at one time, the sun will turn into a huge red star, engulfing the solar system and the world in the process. But before this, astronomers suggest that the extra heat reaching the earth’s surface will increase by beyond what carbon (IV) oxide global warming is projected. As a result, the earth’s temperature will unbearably increase, leading to a catastrophe and evaporation of the water masses rendering the world lifeless.
One of the facts that humans refuse to understand is that we are part of the Earth’s ecosystem. We are not intelligent beings who evolved on earth and are going to leave it at one time. Humans are part of the Earth, and it is impossible to leave the world or the solar system. Ideally, to travel out of the earth, we need to take part in the globe. This means we need to take portions of our life forms, gravity, water, and air (to mention a few), an operation which is likely to be impossible. As such, it is conceivable that if we find ourselves in catastrophic trouble such as war, climate change, or extinction, it is not possible to explore extraterrestrial life elsewhere. Instead, it will be constrained to our physical limitation on earth and must accept the consequences of Natural Selection and evolution like Galapagos.
How are humans likely to push science, both morally and ethically, to ensure survival?
It is expected that human-induced global warming and its effect will continue for centuries (Zhang, 2015). This effect is likely to cause a wide range of risks to the environment and humans as well. It is projected that drought insect outbreak wildfires decline of water supplies reduce productivity flooding erosion are likely to characterize the earth with some of these indications being manifest in contemporary society. It will be noted that the magnitude and severity of climate change strongly depend on the actions taken to respond to these changes. That it is expected that humans will expand comprehensive and sustained research to ensure that real-time climatic information is provided to circumvent any catastrophe. It is anticipated that sophisticated technology will enhance the ability to protect the annual, decadal, and multi-decadal changes, including regional scales and extreme events. Morally, it is expected that genetically modified organisms will be produced in mass to combat climate change. Genetically modified disease-resistant crops and animals will reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, all of which have been cited for contributing to global warming.
What progress is needed to ensure human survival?
Without a doubt, there is an increase in the production of carbon (IV) oxide and other greenhouse gases such as nitrogen (IV) oxide, ammonia gas, and GHG from livestock, flooded rice fields, and synthetic fertilizers (Zhang, 2015). However, modifying the production systems of these foods and livestock systems would probably limit the scale of the impending climate change. Moreover, research is needed to advance sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and crop production within the climate change context. For instance, broad research is essential in establishing the best strategies to limit climate change through reduced vulnerability, management practices, and increased adaptive capacity in different parts of the globe. It is also imperative to develop approaches and sustainable strategies that can manage ocean resources and forested land. With these efforts, it is possible to circumvent the harsh reality of climate change irrespective of how long it may take.
What is my view of science since the beginning of the class?
As a science student, I have gained essential knowledge and information that is necessary for understanding the origin, distribution, evolution, and destiny of life within the universe. With this knowledge, I can understand some of the profound questions regarding the possible destiny of humankind. Currently, I can explain how life began, the composition of the solar system, our future, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life beyond planet earth. Most importantly, the combination of human history, informatics, space biology, and other life science, is it possible for me to provide answers to critical questions of the universe and outer space.