The Fermi paradox raises a fascinating question that has intrigued astronomers and scientists for decades: if the universe is so vast and ancient, why do we have no tangible evidence of extraterrestrial life or advanced civilizations? This apparent silence in the face of the multitude of possible habitable worlds poses a genuine scientific enigma. Enrico … Read more
The Drake equation, formulated in 1961 by astronomer Frank Drake, remains an essential pillar in the field of astrophysics and astrobiology. This mathematical tool aims to quantify the number of potentially communicative advanced civilizations within our galaxy. From its inception, this sophisticated relationship has paved the way for a rigorous scientific approach to the search … Read more
The search for the origin of life on our planet raises fascinating questions and a sense of extraterrestrial allure that has captivated astrobiologists and astronomers for decades. The recent discovery of complex organic molecules in samples returned from the Ryugu asteroid has brought back into focus the theory of directed panspermia, a bold hypothesis suggesting … Read more
IN SHORT Colonization of Mars: establishment of an autonomous human community. Martian bases: habitats with controlled atmosphere. Resources: access to water primarily in the form of ice. Challenges: extreme temperatures and high radiation. Ownership: rights to commercial resources, but not to the land. Technology: technical challenges must be solved for successful colonization. International races: countries … Read more
IN BRIEF Astrobiology: study of extraterrestrial life. Analysis of geochemical and biochemical factors conducive to life. Search for habitable exoplanets in the universe. History: from antiquity to the present, a continuous quest. Scientific challenges to detect life elsewhere. Impact of discoveries on our understanding of life on Earth. Astrobiology is a fascinating discipline that explores … Read more
IN BRIEF K2-18b: possible shelter for extraterrestrial life. Habitable exoplanets: fewer than expected. Multiplication of discoveries of planetary systems. Importance of advanced telescopes in the research. Search for signs of life in the atmospheres of exoplanets. International collaboration to explore habitable planets. New strategies to detect extraterrestrial life. Reflection on the intellectual challenges of this … Read more