The age-old question of whether there is life on other planets is inching closer to an answer with upcoming space missions. While initial missions may not yield definitive results, astronomers remain optimistic that the quest will bring greater clarity. One of the key developments is the introduction of a new formula that could help refine our understanding of extraterrestrial life, guiding future research and exploration in ways we haven’t yet imagined. Missions like Life (Large Interferometer for Exoplanets) are expected to search a whole series of Earth-like exoplanets for traces of life in the coming years. The focus is on possible signs of water, oxygen, or even more complex biosignatures in the atmosphere.
“The discovery of life beyond our world would not just answer a question—it would open a new chapter in the story of existence itself.”
If we donot get any sign?
But what if signs of life are found, or what if they are not? Does discovering evidence of life on another planet automatically confirm its existence, and does the absence of such evidence mean we are truly alone in space? These profound questions have been thoroughly examined by researchers from Switzerland, who explored both scenarios in preparation for the upcoming planetary surveys. Their work aims to provide context and clarity, regardless of the outcome, and to better guide our understanding of the broader implications of these discoveries. “It’s not just about how many planets we observe – it’s about asking the right questions and how sure we can be that we are seeing or not seeing what we are looking for,” explains Daniel Angerhausen, a physicist at ETH Zurich and a member of the SETI Institute.
Presence or absence of life
The researchers shared their findings in a study published in The Astronomical Journal. According to their analysis, in order to be confident that fewer than 10 to 20 percent of exoplanets similar to Earth host life, it would be necessary to examine between 40 and 80 exoplanets and gather evidence proving the absence of life. This comprehensive approach would help refine our understanding of the likelihood of life beyond our planet, offering a more accurate assessment of the conditions needed for extraterrestrial life to thrive.
What is the probability ?
The probability of finding life beyond Earth remains one of the most intriguing questions in science, but it’s difficult to estimate with certainty. Factors like the number of habitable exoplanets, the presence of liquid water, and the right chemical conditions all play a crucial role in determining the likelihood. While some scientists estimate the chances of finding microbial life in our solar system, such as on Mars or the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, others look beyond to exoplanets in the “habitable zone” around other stars. The discovery of numerous exoplanets with conditions similar to Earth has raised hopes, yet the true probability of encountering life is still unclear. Ongoing missions and research, including studies of extreme environments on Earth, continue to inform and refine our understanding, but until concrete evidence is found, the probability remains speculative.
What we should do?
If we were to find life outside of Earth, the first step would be to confirm and verify the discovery. Scientists would need to gather clear, repeatable evidence to rule out all other possible explanations and ensure that the findings are genuine. This could involve analyzing samples, studying the environmental conditions where the life was found, and conducting further tests to understand the biological processes. Once confirmed, the next steps would involve investigating the nature of the life form—whether it’s microbial or more complex—and understanding its potential relationship to Earth life. Researchers would also begin to explore the implications for biology, chemistry, and the conditions that support life beyond our planet. Collaboration among international space agencies, governments, and scientific communities would be critical for a unified response and to manage the ethical, social, and scientific consequences of such a monumental discovery.
