The Alien Effect

I must begin by affirming that I do believe life exists elsewhere in the universe, the mathematics simply overwhelm me.


"An estimate is made of the number of habitable planets in the Galaxy, based upon conservative grounds. That is, the number of stars in the disk of the Galaxy that are similar to the sun, and the probability that these stars have a planet in orbit about them with properties similar to the earth, are estimated. The restrictions applied give values of 10 million habitable planets in the Galaxy (mean separation about 110 light years) and 4-1/2 million planets orbiting stars of sufficient age for intelligent life to have formed (mean separation about 140 light years)."

-Bond, A.; Martin, A. R. (British Interplanetary Society, Conference on Interstellar Travel and Communication, London, England, Apr. 4, 5, 1977.)


Here is how it would break down, we just have to assume that most galaxies are similar to ours (which may not be the case at all, but it is simply to estimate):


Estimated # of Galaxies in Universe: 150 billion

Estimated # of Habitable Planets per Galaxy: 10 million

= 1,500,000,000,000,000,000 habitable planets

These numbers would convince me if they were overestimated by a thousand times. But what does this mean? Recently, CNN and Discovery Channel have been focusing on aliens, with Steven Hawking's hostile invader theory at the center. Hawking believes alien visitors would most likely be resource consuming nomads, whose only interest would be exhausting our planet's resources in order to survive. We would most likely be in the way. Unfortunately, Hawking is probably right.


Either way, we would be outmatched by any life form that had the technology to travel here, leaving mankind in a rather helpless situation. It is this situation, however, that could actually spark an awakening of man. If a major alien encounter was experienced on our planet so that there was no doubt in the world that aliens do exist, we would see a major shift in the way we view each other. It would unify the world's population, and change the way we view religion and ethics, race and interdependence.

Assuming we can somehow survive a first encounter, the public awareness of alien life would do more for our culture than any events or religions of our past. Initially, our religions would resist, but I don't see it becoming a major problem. Over time, people will begin to feel closer to one another, knowing that universe we live in just got a whole lot more crowded.


I think that we are ready, believe it or not. It would open new doors in philosophy, science, and even art. Ideally, we could discover proof of life far away with improved probe technology and avoid being invaded. If we do, it will not mean the end of religion. In fact, I think it gives even more reason to believe that some sort of higher power is responsible for the life that we know.


Unfortunately, the universe is as old as it is large and the chance an alien encounter happens during this lifetime is quite small. It could happen, but might be over the next billion years. For now, we can only speculate. Let me make it clear, it is truly foolish to believe we are the only life in the universe. It further defines our existence and our relationship to the universe.