help

Evidence for Life Beyond Earth?

-- | February 24, 2014

Question: Hi! My name is Natasha and I live in New Jersey and am 17 years old. I am currently a Senior in high school and I’m planning on pursuing Astronomy and Physics in my future. Currently, I am in a Journalism class and I am writing a feature article on the existence of extraterrestrial life. I 100% believe in life other than ours, but I need an expert’s support in my stance. What blatant proof is there that life other than ours exists and any statistics of any kind are appreciated as well! Thank you so much for your time! — Natasha

Answer: Well, the fact is that there is no evidence for the existence of living organisms such as those we find here on Earth on any other planet. As you probably know, there have been many attempts to detect the signatures of life beyond Earth, all of which have resulted in what we call a “non-detection”. These searches continue, though, through such measurements as studies of the properties of extrasolar planet, or “exoplanet”, atmospheres. These exoplanetary atmosphere studies are attempting to detect the signatures of life, otherwise known as “biosignatures”.

Jeff Mangum

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.