Scientists’ excitement over potentially discovering extraterrestrial life in a Ryugu asteroid sample was short-lived. A new study reveals the microbes detected actually originated on Earth, highlighting the extreme challenges of preventing contamination in space sample research.
A leading astrobiologist claims NASA’s Viking 1 mission’s water-based life detection methods may have inadvertently destroyed any Martian life they encountered. He proposes a revolutionary ‘follow the salts’ strategy, inspired by research in the Atacama Desert, to better search for life on Mars.
Donald Trump appeared on Joe Rogan’s popular podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, discussing a wide range of topics, including his unfounded claims of election fraud, his support for abolishing income tax, and his thoughts on extraterrestrial life. The episode, which reached a large audience, has sparked controversy and debate about Trump’s political future and the potential impact of his message.
Swan Hellenic, renowned for its cultural expedition cruises, is venturing into the cosmos with its new ‘Explore Space at Sea’ series. In partnership with the SETI Institute, this groundbreaking initiative offers travelers a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of astronomy, astrophysics, and the search for extraterrestrial life, all while enjoying breathtaking ocean voyages. Renowned SETI scientists will lead lectures and discussions, providing insights into cutting-edge discoveries and captivating guests with their expertise.
China has announced plans to launch a manned lunar mission, build a lunar space station, and explore habitable planets and extraterrestrial life, showcasing its ambitious vision for the future of its space program. This ambitious roadmap outlines a three-phase plan spanning from 2024 to 2050, with a focus on lunar exploration, planetary science, and the search for life beyond Earth.
Scientists have identified seven stars that show signs of potentially harboring advanced alien technology, known as Dyson spheres. These colossal structures are theorized to be gigantic spheres or swarms of mirrors built by technologically advanced civilizations to harness energy from their host stars. The researchers analyzed data from millions of stars, using a computer program to detect spikes in infrared radiation, a key indicator of Dyson spheres. All seven candidate stars are M-dwarf stars located within 1,000 light-years of Earth.
The vastness of space makes it unlikely that we are alone in the universe. Scientists are actively searching for signs of life beyond Earth, from our solar system to the most distant galaxies. This article explores 32 unique places where scientists have looked or hope to look for extraterrestrial life, including Neptune’s moon Triton, Mars, the exoplanet Kepler-186f, and even parallel universes.
NASA’s Voyager 1 probe, the most distant man-made object in space, has resumed sending usable data to ground control after a period of malfunction. Engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory identified a software issue and implemented a solution within the limited memory constraints of the spacecraft’s computer system. Voyager 1, launched in 1977, was the first spacecraft to enter the interstellar medium and currently lies over 15 billion miles from Earth. Its twin, Voyager 2, also left the solar system in 2018. Both spacecraft carry ‘Golden Records’ containing information about Earth and its life forms for potential extraterrestrial discovery.
According to a new fringe theory, alien life may be traveling through space on meteors and colonizing other planets in a process known as panspermia. By riding on celestial bodies, extraterrestrial life could spread across the galaxy, modifying the environments of planets it encounters to resemble its own home planet. This concept suggests that life may not originate on a single planet but could have arisen on multiple exoplanets throughout the universe.
