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The rapid evolution of 21st century technology is producing a stream of
incredible, highly sophisticated devices and new found knowledge.
These
new tools give our scientists the ability to start systematically peeling away the
veil-of-secrecy enveloping some of the most perplexing mysteries the world
has known.
For
example, just a few short years ago, science held that all life required
the basic elements of air, light, or water. Now, however, due to new
technologies that enable exploration of the deepest realms of our own
oceans, scientists have learned that life forms can manifest in different
environments. We now know organisms exist which use a process called
chemosynthesis to extract energy from chemicals. This process allows them to
survive and thrive in hostile, even poisonous, environments.
With
each tick of the clock, science is uncovering startling, new information
that is dramatically altering our current levels of understanding changing
our
pre-conceived notions of our world and in fact, the entire universe.
We
invite you to join Dr. Von Zuko in the examination of new concepts and new
scientific insights into the world’s greatest mysteries.
by:
Dr. Von Zuko 2000©
The Mathematics
 The
estimated number of stars in just the Milky Way (a relatively small
section of space) exceeds 30 billion. Within this number is an accepted
scientific assumption that the Milky Way contains roughly 16 billion stars
with planetary systems. If we apply an extremely conservative estimate
that only one in five hundred of these planetary systems have just one
planet that orbits the ecosphere of its own sun, we have a mere 32,000,000
planets capable of supporting life of some form. Now, let's assume that
only one in one hundred of these planets that could support life, actually
do so. This gives us 320,000 life-supporting planets.
Finally, let's estimate that
only one in one hundred of these 320,000 planets have life forms of
equivalent (or higher) intelligence of that of the human race. This leaves
us with the staggering number of 3,200 possible inhabited planets in just
the Milky Way alone. Now, assume that only a very small 1% of these
planets have conditions similar to earth. We finish with 32 planets within
just our Milky Way alone that would likely make a very good home for homo
sapiens.
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16,000,000,000 |
Estimated Planetary Systems in the Milky Way |
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500 |
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32,000,000 |
one in 500 that are capable of supporting life |
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100 |
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320,000 |
one in 100 actually supporting life |
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100 |
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3,200 |
one in 100 supporting intelligent life |
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1% |
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32 |
Planets
with conditions
similar to Earth |
The Larger Numbers
 Scientists estimate that the number of stars currently visible to our
most powerful telescopes (*1,5 million light years) is 10 to the 20th
power. Using the simplistic formula above, one can conclude, that
roughly 100,000 planets exist within our visible reach that may have the
conditions necessary to support intelligent life. (click
on image for an awesome view)
*one light year = 186,000 miles per. second
x 60seconds x 60minutes x 24
hours x 365 days by:
Dr. Von Zuko 2000©
The Radio Astronomy
Pulsars
were first discovered sometime in 1967, and have been researched and
cataloged by radio astronomers ever since. Pulsars are considered to
be a type of neutron star, however, these particular stars produce very
precisely timed radio pulses.
These radio pulses sweep across space in a
similar fashion to that of the old light house beacons used by mariners
for centuries as a means of oceanic navigation.
There is growing scientific evidence supporting the theory (and
speculation) that theses pulsars could be specifically located and that
they send signals in patterns that appear to be coherent signals.
The
"WOW Signal" of Dr. Ehman
On august 15, 1977, Dr. Jerry R Ehman, discovered a rather powerful
narrowband radio signal coming from outer space. At the time, Dr.
Ehman, was involved in a SETI project using the "Big Ear" radio telescope
operated by the Ohio State University.
This signal demonstrated technical characteristics that are consistent
with the scientifically expected signatures of a non-terrestrial,
interstellar signal. The captured signal was 72 seconds in duration.
Dr. Ehman scrawled the word "WOW" on the computer analysis print out of
the signal trace, giving it the name, "The WOW Signal."
Despite numerous and more recent attempts to locate the signal again, it
has consistently eluded scientists. The has given cause for
scientists (including Dr. Ehman) to question the origin and nature of the
signal. Conventional wisdom seems to insist that it must be a
stationary source, however, a few scientists entertain the idea that an
interstellar signal could conceivably come from a source in motion.
by: Dr. Von Zuko 2000© |
The case for Extraterrestrial Life Index:
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Dr. Von
Zuko's Recommended Books on the Question of Extraterrestrial Life:
Find other great books on
this or any topic:
The Chemistry
The
basic building blocks of DNA have been recently discovered in deep space,
a mere 26,000 light years from the planet Earth.
Glycolaldehyde, a chemical form of sugar, has
been discovered in a mysterious cloud formation near the center of the
Milky Way.
This exciting discovery was made by U.S. astronomers using highly
specialized equipment at the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona.
The implication of this discovery is profound in that it supports the
theory that the chemical precursors of life are formed in these stellar
clouds, long before planetary systems form.
Astro-biologists are especially excited because this 8 atom molecule of
carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen readily combines with other molecules to form
ribose.
Ribose is a building block of nucleic acid DNA,
the chemical carriers of genetic code found in all living organisms.
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