Astronomers on Brink of Watershed in Planet Discoveries

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/astronomy/exoplanet_watershed_020624.html ^ | 25 Jun 02 | Robert Roy Britt

[gcruse]

Yeah, I happen to think that the Earth is a unique and
special place in the Universe.

What a horrible, lonely, waste that would be.

[Sabertooth]

What a horrible, lonely, waste that would be.

Really, that just depends on your perspective. As Conan said above, someone had to be first.

Also depends on your theology.

No "Wars of the Worlds" to worry about either.

[Physicist]

However, one of the things I like about SETI research is that it seems to indicate that Solar Systems and Earth-like planets aren't all that plentiful.

There's no basis for saying that, yet.

[gcruse]

Also depends on your theology.

Is that what it is?  The atheist who
hopes to find other life in the universe
as opposed to the Christian who prefers
that we be alone in the universe?
If that is the deal, atheism looks a lot
friendlier that its antithesis.  Brrr.

[Sabertooth]

There's no basis for saying that, yet.

Well, I did allow myself some wiggle room by saying "seems to indicate."

But what do we have right now, a few hundred observed solar systems? And only a few are remotely similar to ours, showing planets that are have fairly circular orbits.

I'm all for more research, but I'm comfortable saying that solar systems like ours aren't all that plentiful. Call it a hunch if you like, and if the evidence indicates otherwise, I'll have no problem saying so.

[johnny7]

Oh yeah... so sad, lonely and wastefull.

I'm praying we find a planet full of swollen-headed, ashen grey midgets with scolex-like mouths.

They'd be great for dwarf-bowling. : +{ )

[gcruse]

I'm praying we find a planet full of swollen-headed,
ashen grey midgets with scolex-like mouths.

And is this where your theology leads you?

[RightWhale]

a few hundred observed solar systems?

It's about 100 right now, but they added 20 last week and this week is yet young.

[galt-jw]

whose apple cart?

try religion, and the state.

paradigm shift.

[null and void]

How will the discovery of life-forms on other planets affect religion's influence on Earth?"

To quote Linus in the Peanuts comic strip "The theological implications are astounding - either way"...

[Zon]

I'm curious as to whose 'apple cart' you think would be upset by the discovery of life on other planets.

Probably the same "apple carts" that will be upset when people stop dying due to biologic immortality.

And what the heck is "prime health immortality"?

Biologic immortality (you omitted the key word "biologic") is living in the physical, flesh and blood body forever. Prime health is optimum health. A physically fit state of health analogous to a person in their mid twenties. Thus, living forever with optimum health -- physical fitness.

[jimkress]

Thanks for the 'ping'!

[jimkress]

Animists would have a whole new set of species to worship.