When we look for life on other planets; what exactly are we looking for? Are we looking for similar life as we have found here on Earth or are we keeping our minds open to all the potential eventualities that might be? On Earth most of our life needs certain things, but is that because those certain things exist here already or because that is the only way life can exist? What if Earth had different components all around, what would life look like then? This is a fascinating subject and it recently came up in an online think tank when one member stated; Are there some environments that will not support life of any kind? Regardless of the evolution of intelligence in an alien species, they have to start somewhere that will develop life. Looking at the elements that were critical in the rise of living organisms on this planet, how might evolution advance - if it does at all - in a different situation. Indeed this is a good set of questions; are there some environments, which will not support life? What about the moon; that appears rather hostile for life doesnt it? But what if it were given a billion years to grow? Could life then adapt to such a hostile environment and actually live on the surface; although who has to say it must live on the surface of the Moon? Why not under the surface? Perhaps we need to consider all these questions when looking for life throughout the solar system and planet. Think on this in 2006. |
