The existence beyond Earth is not only a scientific question but an inquiry that goes towards philosophy. It invites us to think about life, intelligence, and ourselves. ‘What does it mean to be in existence’ becomes one of the fundamental questions as we traverse into unfamiliar territories.
The distinct organisms that have made this planet their home have had to adapt in such unique ways to the various ecosystems found on the planet. Life is found in all types of environmental extremes, from frozen tundra's to the deep oceans. The evolution of life into such varied forms in different environments on the planet suggests that life is possible to begin elsewhere as well. Life could be present in organisms in the extreme conditions on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus which is believed to be possible.
Astrobiology is a more transcending biology, incorporating disciplines such as astronomy, biology and geology to theorize life existing outside of the earth. It doesn’t only consider all the conditions that have to be present, but also how life can develop in other spheres. What scientists do is studying parts of meteorites and other distances making them concentrate chemistries determining features suitable for life.
Discussion on Philosophy of Alien Life Forms
There’s a saying which goes in the lines of ‘In the universe there are more things than we can comprehend.’ Life, as we know it, although present on planet Earth, may also be experienced outside its boundaries, somewhere else. So how do you think you will feel when encountering a life form bearing a physical composition that differs from everything you’ve come across, and perhaps with an intelligence, culture, or way of life that completely deviates from your own? The answer is quite logical – mankind has taken great strides throughout its existence and as a result, has always developed to an extent that it has blended itself classlessly with the cosmos.
