The vastness of the universe with millions, perhaps billions, of suns with planets circling them, is almost beyond the imaginations of many people. Contemplating the universe and the many possibilities of alien life forms raises the question: Are we alone? Are there other life forms out there? Are there other life forms with higher order consciousness, language, and technology? In 1950, physicist Enrico Fermi, who was working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, is reported to have asked: “Where are they?”
Putting aside for a moment the various conspiracy theories about Area 51 and UFOs, and ignoring the possible realities of the Men in Black movies, let us consider some possibilities—hypotheses—on why we, Homo sapiens, have not heard from intelligent, technologically advanced alien life forms. The discussion continues below the Orange UFO.
The Zoo Hypothesis: According to this idea, we are under observation but the aliens do not wish to interfere (a kind of Star Trek Prime Directive). The aliens are observing us to see if we are going to destroy our planet. They do not want us to infect other planets with our suicidal tendencies.
The Alone Hypothesis: According to this idea, ours is the only planet among billions in which life forms have developed advanced technology. According to some people this is the plan of some god, higher power, or supernatural creator. Others feel that our life forms have developed because of a unique set of ecological circumstances. At the present time, there are at least 3,000 planets with characteristics similar to those of Earth.
The Big Boom Hypothesis: This idea assumes that technologically advanced alien life forms must be as aggressive, brutal, and warlike as Homo sapiens. We haven’t heard from them because they will inevitably wipe themselves out before being able to develop efficient forms of interstellar travel.
The Peaceful Monastery Hypothesis: According to this idea, advanced alien life forms have not taken the aggressive, brutal, and warlike path of Homo sapiens, but instead have developed civilizations which are peaceful, communal, and perhaps mystical. They have no desire to inflict their presence on other intelligent life forms or to colonize other planets.
The ZPG Hypothesis: According to this idea, advanced alien life forms understand the complex interrelationships between their species and the environment. They have limited their population size through family planning so they have not exceeded their planet’s ability to sustain life. They have no need to seek out other worlds for colonization.
Is anyone out there? If so, check in since this is an open thread on Street Prophets Saturday located at the intersection of Politics and Religion on the planet Daily Kos.