Scientists Could Find Alien Life Within 40 Years

Scientists could find alien life within 40 years, says royal astronomer

The question of whether alien life exists could be answered within 40 years, according to the Queen’s astronomer.

The Queen’s astronomer Martin Rees Photo: Jay Williams
Martin Rees, former president of the Royal Society said, “Evidence of whether beings exist not only beyond earth but beyond our solar system, could be found in that time.”

Lord Rees, who has been Astronomer Royal – a senior position within the Royal Household offering advice to the Queen on astronomical matters – since 1995, said: “Within 10 or 20 years we will be able to image other planets like the earth, orbiting other stars.”That will be a really exciting subject to see if there is evidence for extra-terrestrial life or not.”

Scientists at Aberdeen University believe they can show millions more planets are capable of supporting life. Scientists have designed new models for testing whether a planet could support life by searching for evidence of underground water. Instead of looking for surface water, the new tools identify whether there may be water kept liquid by core heat, according to the BBC. The development could mean more planets and moons are found to be capable of sustaining life forms.

The research, which was presented at the British Science Festival in Aberdeen, challenges the “Goldilocks” theory that planets need to be within a defined distance from the sun to support life before water either freezes or evaporates.

Sean McMahon, a PhD student from Aberdeen University, said: “It’s the idea of a range of distances from a star within which the surface of an Earthlike planet is not too hot or too cold for water to be liquid. “So traditionally people have said that if a planet is in this Goldilocks zone – not too hot and not too cold – then it can have liquid water on its surface and be a habitable planet.”

The new research could be an important breakthrough in establishing signs of life where planets and moons generate their own heat rather than receiving heat from a star like the sun.

Professor John Parnell, lead researcher from Aberdeen University, said: “There is a significant habitat for microorganisms below the surface of the Earth, extending down several kilometers and that the bulk of life on Earth could even reside in this deep biosphere.”

Mr. McMahon added: “If you take into account the possibility of deep biospheres, then you have a problem reconciling that with the idea of a narrow habitable zone defined only by conditions at the surface. There will be several times more habitable planets.“ 

Read more here: http://www.nationalufocenter.com/artman/publish/article_483.php