Extraterrestrial Life Research Articles

The importance of continents, oceans and plate tectonics for the evolution of complex life: implications for finding extraterrestrial civilizations

Within the uncertainties of involved astronomical and biological parameters, the Drake Equation typically predicts that there should be many exoplanets in our galaxy hosting active, communicative civilizations (ACCs). These optimistic calculations are however not supported by evidence, which is often referred to as the Fermi Paradox. Here, we elaborate on this long-standing enigma by showing the importance of planetary tectonic style for biological evolution. We summarize growing evidence that a prolonged transition from Mesoproterozoic active single lid tectonics (1.6 to 1.0 Ga) to modern plate tectonics occurred in the Neoproterozoic Era (1.0 to 0.541 Ga), which dramatically accelerated emergence and evolution of complex species. We further suggest that both continents and oceans are required for ACCs because early evolution of simple life must happen in water but late evolution of advanced life capable of creating technology must happen on land. We resolve the Fermi Paradox (1) by adding two additional terms to the Drake Equation: foc (the fraction of habitable exoplanets with significant continents and oceans) and fpt (the fraction of habitable exoplanets with significant continents and oceans that have had plate tectonics operating for at least 0.5 Ga); and (2) by demonstrating that the product of foc and fpt is very small (< 0.00003–0.002). We propose that the lack of evidence for ACCs reflects the scarcity of long-lived plate tectonics and/or continents and oceans on exoplanets with primitive life.

Is there a universal limit to technological development? Evidences from astrobiology

Considering the vastness of time and space, if one civilization — ours — has been able to advance technologically to the point of leaving its own planet, why technosignatures from other advanced extraterrestrial civilizations have never been identified? In this paper, I offer an explanation for that, developing an insight originally presented by Webb and others and using insights from astrobiology, sustainability and archaeology. I argue that there exists a universal limit to technological development (ULTD), determined by decreasing technological returns on societal complexity, increasing maintenance costs of existing technology, the eventual untestability of scientific theories due to the high costs involved and the unattainable energy levels needed to test them and civilization-damaging catastrophes. I also argue, based on the principle of mediocrity, that the ULTD is not much above our current level of technological development. Technology, therefore, will not be able to provide another home to humankind. Such a possibility should be taken into consideration during the decision-making process concerning both the allocation of resources to research or mitigation of technology-induced planetary changes and the definition of goals to space exploration.

Is artificial intelligence the great filter that makes advanced technical civilisations rare in the universe?

This study examines the hypothesis that the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), culminating in the emergence of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), could act as a "Great Filter" that is responsible for the scarcity of advanced technological civilisations in the universe. It is proposed that such a filter emerges before these civilisations can develop a stable, multiplanetary existence, suggesting the typical longevity (L) of a technical civilization is less than 200 years. Such estimates for L, when applied to optimistic versions of the Drake equation, are consistent with the null results obtained by recent SETI surveys, and other efforts to detect various technosignatures across the electromagnetic spectrum. Through the lens of SETI, we reflect on humanity's current technological trajectory – the modest projections for L suggested here, underscore the critical need to quickly establish regulatory frameworks for AI development on Earth and the advancement of a multiplanetary society to mitigate against such existential threats. The persistence of intelligent and conscious life in the universe could hinge on the timely and effective implementation of such international regulatory measures and technological endeavours.

Water bridges as the trigger in an amino functionalized Zn-MOF for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water

Water is a fundamental element for life. The highly selective and sensitive sensing of water is always attractive for mankind in activities such as physiological processes study and extraterrestrial life exploration. Fluorescent MOFs with precise channels and functional groups might specifically recognize water molecules with hydrogen-bond interaction or coordination effects and work as water sensors. As a proof of concept, herein, an amino functionalized Zn-MOF (named as complex 1) with pores that just right for water molecules to form hydrogen bond bridges is revealed for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the 3D framework of complex 1 is functionalized with free amino groups in the channels. Hydrogen bonds formed in the channel along b-axis as water bridges to connect two adjacent NH2bdc ligands and result in the restriction of intramolecular motions (RIM) which could responsible for the selective turn-on fluorescence response to water. Complex 1 exhibits high sensitive to trace amount of water in organic solvents and could be used for water detection in a wide range water contents. Take advantages of complex 1, portable sensors (complex 1@PMMA) were prepared and used in the highly sensitive water sensing.

Journey Through an Alien World: Portraying Multi-layered Nuances of Patriarchy in K.R Meera’s Hangwoman

Journey Through an Alien World: Portraying Multi-layered Nuances of Patriarchy in K.R Meera’s Hangwoman

Макроконцепт СВЕТ в романе С. В. Лукьяненко «Мальчик и Тьма»

The purpose of the study is to identify the content and methods of explication of the macro-concept LIGHT in the novel “The Boy and the Darkness” by S. V. Lukyanenko, interpreted as one of three macro-concepts (LIGHT :: DUSK :: DARKNESS), the opposition of which organizes the conceptual sphere of the novel, modifying the opposition of the basic concepts HOME WORLD :: ALIEN WORLD. The scientific novelty of the research consists in identifying the essence of the author’s modification of the symbolic macro-concept LIGHT recurrent in his creative heritage, the macro-concept significant for the Russian national worldview, by means of cognitive-discursive analysis. It has been determined that the macro-concept LIGHT, conceptualized as an object and subject of action, container and content, is explicated discursively at the levels of the plot, images of characters, self-reflection of the protagonist, supplemented by new cognitive features. As a result of the study, it has been established that the content of the conceptual core of the macro-concept LIGHT, formulated by the author, contradicts its perceptual-sensory and symbolic content. Such a contradiction, forming the axiological layer of the concept, serves as the driving force for the maturation of the protagonist, who proceeds from instinctive acceptance to the conscious choice of Light.

Saved by the Dark Forest: How a Multitude of Extraterrestrial Civilizations Can Prevent a Hobbesian Trap

Abstract The possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) exists despite no observed evidence, and the risks and benefits of actively searching for ETI (Active SETI) have been debated. Active SETI has been criticized for potentially exposing humanity to existential risk, and a recent game-theoretical model highlights the Hobbesian trap that could occur following contact if mutual distrust leads to mutual destruction. We argue that observing a nearby ETI would suggest the existence of many unobserved ETI. This would expand the game and implies that there may be a mechanism that prevents ETI from attacking us. As a result, the Hobbesian trap would be avoided if both parties assumed the other is not likely to attack.

Chapter 9: Life as We Don't Know It.

While Earth contains the only known example of life in the universe, it is possible that life elsewhere is fundamentally different from what we are familiar with. There is an increased recognition in the astrobiology community that the search for life should steer away from terran-specific biosignatures to those that are more inclusive to all life-forms. To start exploring the space of possibilities that life could occupy, we can try to dissociate life from the chemistry that composes it on Earth by envisioning how different life elsewhere could be in composition, lifestyle, medium, and form, and by exploring how the general principles that govern living systems on Earth might be found in different forms and environments across the Solar System. Exotic life-forms could exist on Mars or Venus, or icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, or even as a shadow biosphere on Earth. New perspectives on agnostic biosignature detection have also begun to emerge, allowing for a broader and more inclusive approach to seeking exotic life with unknown chemistry that is distinct from life as we know it on Earth.

Chapter 8: Searching for Life Beyond Earth.

The search for life beyond Earth necessitates a rigorous and comprehensive examination of biosignatures, the types of observable imprints that life produces. These imprints and our ability to detect them with advanced instrumentation hold the key to our understanding of the presence and abundance of life in the universe. Biosignatures are the chemical or physical features associated with past or present life and may include the distribution of elements and molecules, alone or in combination, as well as changes in structural components or physical processes that would be distinct from an abiotic background. The scientific and technical strategies used to search for life on other planets include those that can be conducted in situ to planetary bodies and those that could be observed remotely. This chapter discusses numerous strategies that can be employed to look for biosignatures directly on other planetary bodies using robotic exploration including those that have been deployed to other planetary bodies, are currently being developed for flight, or will become a critical technology on future missions. Search strategies for remote observations using current and planned ground-based and space-based telescopes are also described. Evidence from spectral absorption, emission, or transmission features can be used to search for remote biosignatures and technosignatures. Improving our understanding of biosignatures, their production, transformation, and preservation on Earth can enhance our search efforts to detect life on other planets.

The Amateur Astronomer as Image Producer

Abstract This article approaches the history of amateur astronomers in the late nineteenth century via visual and material sources. It adopts three separate viewpoints: Jules Pierrot Deseilligny’s home-based workshop, two self-portraits of amateurs at work, and a corpus of selenographic images published in the Bulletin de la Société Astronomique de France. These sources throw light on amateur savant practices, which are largely based on producing images, sometimes taking the form of a structured scholarly project, and giving rise to exchanges, debates, and sociabilities. It identifies a proliferation during the years 1880 to 1914, characterised by a particular sensitivity to the extraterrestrial life feeding a powerful desire to observe the surface of the moon.

Intentional astrobiological signaling and questions of causal impotence

My focus is on the contemporary astrobiological activity of Messaging ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (METI). This intentional astrobiological signaling typically involves embedding digital communications in powerful radio signals and transmitting those signals out into the cosmos in an explicit effort to make contact with extraterrestrial others. Some who criticize METI express concern that contact with technologically advanced extraterrestrial life could be seriously harmful to Earth or humanity. One popular response to this critique of messaging is an appeal to causal impotence sometimes referred to as the ‘Barn Door’ Argument—we are already engaged in many other detectable activities not intended for cosmic communication. If the Barn Door Argument is correct, then those who engage in messaging arguably have a moral excuse. They are permitted to continue messaging because there is no point in abstaining. I develop three ways in which the claim of causal impotence in the Barn Door Argument could be understood. I evaluate each of these in turn and demonstrate that only one is appropriate to contemporary messaging. However, this interpretation does not generate the moral excuse on which the proponents of the Barn Door Argument rely; thus, the argument fails. Finally, I entertain and respond to candidate objections.

Chapter 6: The Breadth and Limits of Life on Earth.

Scientific ideas about the potential existence of life elsewhere in the universe are predominantly informed by knowledge about life on Earth. Over the past ∼4 billion years, life on Earth has evolved into millions of unique species. Life now inhabits nearly every environmental niche on Earth that has been explored. Despite the wide variety of species and diverse biochemistry of modern life, many features, such as energy production mechanisms and nutrient requirements, are conserved across the Tree of Life. Such conserved features help define the operational parameters required by life and therefore help direct the exploration and evaluation of habitability in extraterrestrial environments. As new diversity in the Tree of Life continues to expand, so do the known limits of life on Earth and the range of environments considered habitable elsewhere. The metabolic processes used by organisms living on the edge of habitability provide insights into the types of environments that would be most suitable to hosting extraterrestrial life, crucial for planning and developing future astrobiology missions. This chapter will introduce readers to the breadth and limits of life on Earth and show how the study of life at the extremes can inform the broader field of astrobiology.

Determination of inorganic and organic carbons in a Martian soil simulant under the Martian CO2 atmosphere using LIBS coupled with machine learning

Carbon plays a crucial role in the search for extraterrestrial life and serves as an indicator for the habitability and the paleoatmospheric CO2 reservoir on Mars. Previous exploration missions provided evidence of carbon on Mars with different chemical speciation using various instruments including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Quantitative determination with LIBS onboard Mars rovers is still precluded because of the important contribution of the atmospheric carbon in the LIBS plasma, in addition to matrix effects omnipresent for elemental determination with LIBS of geological materials. In this work, we performed a series of LIBS experiments in a simulated Martian atmosphere using samples prepared with a Martian soil simulant mixed with various carbonates and organic C-bearing materials. Convoluted influences on LIBS spectra due to the ambient gas and the different chemical speciation of carbon were observed for inorganic and organic C-bearing materials, which explains the unsatisfactory performance for a univariate regression model based on a carbon-related emission line. In particular, the influence of ambient gas was observed more important for inorganic carbon brought into the samples with carbonates. Multivariate models were then developed based on a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), for ensembles of samples with inorganic and organic carbons respectively, and then for the fusion of the two ensembles. The results showed respective limits of detection (LODs) of 0.247 wt%, 1.022 wt% and 0.873 wt%, and respective root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEPs) of 0.036 wt%, 0.133 wt%, and 0.062 wt% for the three collections of samples. Moreover, the model training process is investigated in detail in order to understand the way in which the most significant spectral features are selected, processed and mapped to the carbon concentrations of the samples by a neural network.

Martian microbes research and lessons learnt for forensic science

A new method for looking for life outside the Earth is used as an example to demonstrate how ways of presenting complex scientific concepts to the general public, used in planetary science, could be used in forensic science. The work led to a pared down, practical definition of detectable Life for planetary exploration, An organised system capable of processing energy sources to its advantage. For nearly three quarters of Earth’s history the only lifeforms were microbes, which are the target for looking for extraterrestrial life. Microbes are microscopic and may be sparsely distributed, but their metabolic products can form large, durable rocks, much easier to find and which may contain the organisms or their remains.There are similar challenges in presenting astrobiological and forensic science. Both may have to deal with very large or very small numbers which are not immediately comprehensible but can be understood by analogy. To increase the impact on the listener or reader, dramatic analogues are valuable, for example, referring to the mineralised microbial metabolic products as, “fossilised breath of bacteria” demands the audience's attention and engages them before more detailed explanations are given. The power of practical experiments or demonstrations is most important to reinforce what might otherwise be a fairly abstract concept. Surprisingly, most of these approaches can be made to work equally well in both spoken and written forms as well as in both sciences.

The Same Completely Inclusive Faith with Its Principium of Natural Laws of the Compounding-Corresponding-Trinity Presents and Unfolds Through Different Ways and Methods in Science, Philosophy, Religion…..

The text inherits from the history of human civilization of "The same completely inclusive faith with its laws of the Trinity" that expressed in various ways across civilization and cultures.   Examples of this inheritance include the Trinity of Greek and Roman philosophy; the representation of "Faith in God and Its Trinity Laws" through the "Cross" in the Bible; the Quran's representation of "Faith in Allah and Its Laws of Allah's Star and Moon"; the Buddhist scriptures' representation of "Faith in Buddha and Its Laws of Trilakāya" through "The Revolving Cross"; and Chinese philosophy in Tao Te Ching and The Book of Change, which shares the concept of "Faith in Tao and (Entailment of The) One Yin, (Presenting of The) One Yang, called The Tao (Laws)" symbolized by "Yin Yang Ball".   Additionally, various faiths represent their Trinity-Laws using symbols such as “Hermaphrodite Baphomet” or “Pentagram and circle compounded together as one", facilitating communication between Christianity and Islam. However, human societies, groups, and individuals often fail to integrate human knowledge and experiences fully, resulting in a partial understanding of these concepts (even if Awakened monks and hermits exist, they might face interdisciplinary or language barriers hindering the spread of truth).Start open “The Same Completely Inclusive Scientific Faith with Its Principium of Natural Laws of The Compounding-Corresponding-Trinity”which relies on “The Three Major Natural Complementary Principles” that build up by “Laws of Personality” which also is “Principium of Commonality”. And are fundamentally compounding and corresponding, clarifying the existing ways and existing relationships of the trinity of all things. Lay the foundation for humanity to achieve reconciliation, reach consensus, and jointly building "The Everbright Era of Earth Human Democratic Federation’s Scientific Social Public Morality Mature Self-Consistent Guarantee Node-System".   And escorting human beings to advance to the ranks of intelligent life in the universe that consciously abides by the laws of the universe.

The Microverse: A Task-Oriented Edge-Scale Metaverse

Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable acceleration in the evolution of smart cities and intelligent spaces, driven by breakthroughs in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), edge–fog–cloud computing, and machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI). As society begins to harness the full potential of these smart environments, the horizon brightens with the promise of an immersive, interconnected 3D world. The forthcoming paradigm shift in how we live, work, and interact owes much to groundbreaking innovations in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), blockchain, and digital twins (DTs). However, realizing the expansive digital vista in our daily lives is challenging. Current limitations include an incomplete integration of pivotal techniques, daunting bandwidth requirements, and the critical need for near-instantaneous data transmission, all impeding the digital VR metaverse from fully manifesting as envisioned by its proponents. This paper seeks to delve deeply into the intricacies of the immersive, interconnected 3D realm, particularly in applications demanding high levels of intelligence. Specifically, this paper introduces the microverse, a task-oriented, edge-scale, pragmatic solution for smart cities. Unlike all-encompassing metaverses, each microverse instance serves a specific task as a manageable digital twin of an individual network slice. Each microverse enables on-site/near-site data processing, information fusion, and real-time decision-making within the edge–fog–cloud computing framework. The microverse concept is verified using smart public safety surveillance (SPSS) for smart communities as a case study, demonstrating its feasibility in practical smart city applications. The aim is to stimulate discussions and inspire fresh ideas in our community, guiding us as we navigate the evolving digital landscape of smart cities to embrace the potential of the metaverse.

Universidad del Atlántico Medio

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence on exoplanets is a rich field of conceptual exploration. Author introduces two definitions that could help to narrow down the possibilities that an extraterrestrial civilization may or may not have initiated exploration of its own star system and beyond. It is concluded that in some cases certain extraterrestrial civilizations may not be able to leave their home worlds before their biological extinction, purely because of physical limitations. Keywords: SETI, ETI, Exoplanets, Alien Civilizations, Alien Exploration

Searching the SN 1987A SETI Ellipsoid with TESS

The SETI Ellipsoid is a strategy for technosignature candidate selection that assumes that extraterrestrial civilizations who have observed a galactic-scale event—such as supernova 1987A—may use it as a Schelling point to broadcast synchronized signals indicating their presence. Continuous wide-field surveys of the sky offer a powerful new opportunity to look for these signals, compensating for the uncertainty in their estimated time of arrival. We explore sources in the TESS continuous viewing zone, which corresponds to 5% of all TESS data, observed during the first 3 yr of the mission. Using improved 3D locations for stars from Gaia Early Data Release 3, we identified 32 SN 1987A SETI Ellipsoid targets in the TESS continuous viewing zone with uncertainties better than 0.5 lt-yr. We examined the TESS light curves of these stars during the Ellipsoid crossing event and found no anomalous signatures. We discuss ways to expand this methodology to other surveys, more targets, and different potential signal types.

Marx’s Alienation- A Philosophical Perspective: Why Marx Cannot Give Up the Hunt for Alien Life in Capitalism?

Marx’s alienation theory asserts that the untrue appearance of humans is a form of inflictions of human beings detached from their essential nature as species-being with the power to make, which Marx alludes to as use-value, qualitative formation, practicing and creating work relation, creativity, and collective objectification amid a production realm of productive being’s own making’s. He examines human history by examining the production realm, its impact on social formations, intercourse, and the organization of social power that constrains and enables human nature. This realm can be organized according to human’s essential nature or transcend it, leading to alienation as an alien power that supersedes or expropriates the power of original producers. Freedom amid the production realm is central to Marx’s argument about alienation. This article investigates two interrelated subjects: alienation arising from transcending human nature and freedom evolving amid the production realm. The researcher in this article argues that freedom is the free development of individuals and society’s power, rather than “receiving freedom” that arises from detaching producers from their realm. Part I of this article provides an overview of Marx’s philosophical science on species-being, Part II focuses on his characterization of alienation in his works including; On the Jewish Question, The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts 1844 and Capital Volume I, and Part III highlight selected aspects in Hegel’s and Robert Nozick’s philosophies that is of relevance to Marx’s alienation. Marx distinguishes between estrangement/alienation and objectification, with the latter referring to the relation with the object as either objectification to species-being life or loss of the thing and bondage through abstract labor objectified in commodities in capitalism. The former is “appropriation as estrangement, as alienation.”

Effect of laser power on Raman analyses of lipids and amino acids: Implications for extraterrestrial life exploration

One of the primary objectives of Mars exploration missions is to search for traces of past or present life. The search for bioorganic molecules is highly desirable because they have diagnostic features to indicate the presence of life. Lipids and amino acids are particularly favored because of their high preservation potential in the geological record. Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a promising tool for detecting and identifying organic molecules on extraterrestrial planets. However, cautions should be exercised in operating Raman instruments to detect organic samples, especially concerning laser power. Excessive laser power can potentially alter spectral characteristics and even damage samples, while low power levels suffer from attenuation of the measured Raman signal, making it challenging to interpret. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the optimal Raman laser power for organic detection and build a laser power-based spectral library to increase our capability to interpret the Martian spectroscopic data. As such, we performed a comprehensive Raman analysis of several lipids (decanol, hexadecane, and palmitic acid) and amino acids (alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, histidine, and tyrosine). The Raman laser power varies in two modes, i.e., increasing from 1% (0.63 ± 0.01 mW) to 100% (66.40 ± 1.85 mW) and vice versa, within the operational range of Raman payloads of Mars rovers. The results show that different spectra can be obtained for the organic samples when using different excitation powers. Using high-power lasers could cause damage to lipid samples, whereas amino acids exhibit stability even under the strong irradiation of 100% laser power. In addition, low-power lasers significantly reduce the Raman signal of lipids, while amino acids remain detectable at low laser powers even as low as 1%. Therefore, the most effective and secure operation is to gradually increase the laser power in the Raman analyses for detecting various organic compounds. Our study serves as a reference for operating Raman instruments and contributes to the accurate interpretation of spectral data returned from spacecraft. The supplementary material provides all the spectral data, facilitating further comparisons with future in situ and orbital measurements on Mars.