New Theories Suggest We Might Be Alone in the Universe

Unimaginable vastness and size; that is our Universe. Its ever-expanding nature is filled with a nearly infinite supply of potential life-giving planets and moons leaves us with one question: Are we alone in the Universe?

Considering the size of the Universe, life could be abundant and humanity being the only intelligent life form is highly unlikely. Recently the Mars rover Curiosity discovered organic molecules in rocks on the red planet. This doesn’t necessarily mean there is life there, past or present, but it does indicate that some of the building blocks that created life on Earth are present.

The Drake Equation, proposed by astronomer Dr. Frank Drake in the 1960s, is used to figure out the number of civilizations in the Milky Way that seek to communicate with each other and estimate the probability of intelligent life. The equation is highly speculative as it uses hypotheses to try and calculate the number of civilizations:

The Drake Equation: N = R* x fp x ne x fl x fi x fc x L

N = The number of civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy whose electromagnetic emissions are detectable.

R* = The rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life.