Since young, we have not ceased to hear that we were alone in the universe – and until proof, this is indeed the case – and that apart from our planet, life, as we know it, could not develop anywhere else. But recently, a study published in Science Advances February 14, 2025 proposed a new theory which undermines these claims and which exposes the fact that humanity, ultimately, is not extraordinary.
In fact, instead of a series of improbable events that would have miraculously passed to let life develop, our existence, but also that of all current living beings, past and future, would have been dependent on the opening of several “Habitability windows”.
“” “We argue that intelligent life may not need a series of luck to exist. Humanity has not evolved “early” or “late” in the history of the earth, but “in time”, when the conditions were met.”Explains Dan Mills, co -author of the study and researcher in the establishment in Bavaria, in remarks reported by Eurekalert!.
Thus, our “arrival” on earth would not be due to chance at all, but following an evolution that would have played at the same time as that of the planet.
“” “[…] We should use a geological time scale, because it is the time it takes for the atmosphere and the landscape to change. These are normal time ladders on earth. If life evolves with the planet, it will evolve on a planetary time scale, at a planetary pace”. explains Jason Wright, co -author of the study and teacher of astronomy and astrophysics in Penn State, in Eurekalert!.
A theory that allows you to see even further
If we remove the “lucky” side of the appearance of life on earth, but rather invoke its normal side according to the conditions which reigned there, the theory proposed by the researchers of Penn State and the University of Munich could take us much further.
Indeed, by taking the point of view of this theory we could be able to see with another eye the other planets that we consider to be “habitable”. Those where humanity could one day be led to join.
“” “This new perspective suggests that the emergence of an intelligent life may not be so improbable after all. Instead of a series of improbable events, evolution could be more a predictable process, taking place when the overall conditions allow. Our framework applies not only to the earth, but also to other planets, which increases the possibility that a life similar to ours can exist elsewhere“Said Jason Wright.
In other words, the planets that we consider to be “habitable” today, are perhaps in a geological process which will allow the appearance of the conditions necessary for life, as was the case for us or for humanity.
Thus, perhaps the 5,700 exoplanets that we have already discovered, with the exception perhaps the gaseous, are perhaps all future places where life will develop. The time scales of a planet being very different from ours, we may never know if such a possibility is possible.
But according to this new theory, is the answer to the question “is humanity alone in the universe?” Perhaps started to find the start of an answer.
Source : Eurekalert!
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
