Essay
A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECT
- Module
- EXTRA TERRESTRIAL LIFE
- Institution
- AQA
A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECT. EXAMINES THE POSSIBILITY OF LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS. USES THE FERMI PARADOX, DRAKE'S EQUATION ETC. HIGH LEVEL A* WORK.
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The Chances of finding Life on Other Planets and its Possible Consequences for the HumanRace
Abstract
In this essay I aim to find out the chances of finding life on other planets. I also aim to
contemplate about what it means to have contact with aliens, which could occur in the future.
By this, I mean to say whether it would actually be beneficial to the human race to have contact
with extra-terrestrial life or whether it could have a negative impact upon the human race as a
whole.
Introduction
We have no hard evidence that there is life on other planets, however there are some good
reasons as to why we might discover some soon, potentially in our own solar system. Here are
some reasons as to why scientists think that there could be life on other planets. These reasons
also show what kind of planet/satellite we are looking for:
● Extremophiles on Earth.
One of the major questions is if life could progress (evolve), survive and thrive in a world
completely different to ours. The answer seems to be yes, if you realize that Earth has
extremophiles- organisms that thrive in extremes of cold, heat, toxic chemicals and even
in environments that contain no oxygen. We have discovered creatures who live with no
oxygen around super-heated volcanoes at the very bottom of the sea. There are even
tiny creatures that survive in the vacuum of space. This means that there is direct
evidence that life can thrive in the strange, alien atmospheres on Earth. This means, that
we know that life can thrive in the conditions seen on other planets and natural
satellites. We just need to find it.
● Evidence of chemical signs of life on other planets.
Life on Earth most likely evolved from chemical reactions that may have started from
organic compounds such as proteins and carbohydrates. There is evidence that these
already exist on other worlds. For example, Titan has some in its atmosphere. We
haven’t actually found life on these planets, but we have found the necessary
ingredients that are important for the development for life on Earth.
● Increasing number of Earth – like planets.
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