The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society
Martin Dominik1,* and John C. Zarnecki2
+Author Affiliations
1SUPA, University of St Andrews, School of Physics and Astronomy, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK
2Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute (PSSRI), The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
*Author for correspondence (md35@st-andrews.ac.uk).
Abstract
Astronomers are now able to detect planets orbiting stars other than the Sun where life may exist, and living generations could see the signatures of extra-terrestrial life being detected. Should it turn out that we are not alone in the Universe, it will fundamentally affect how humanity understands itself—and we need to be prepared for the consequences. A Discussion Meeting held at the Royal Society in London, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, on 25–26 January 2010, addressed not only the scientific but also the societal agenda, with presentations covering a large diversity of topics.
origin and evolution of life, extra-terrestrial life, extra-solar planets, astrobiology, search for extra-terrestrial intelligence, science and society
Footnotes
One contribution of 17 to a Discussion Meeting Issue ‘The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society’.
This journal is © 2011 The Royal Society
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NOTA INSTIGANTE DESTE BLOGGER:
A Royal Society hein, quem diria... A astrobiologia é a única área científica que não precisa de sujeito de pesquisa. Gente, do jeito que está indo a ciência, nós estamos na letra F...
