Astronomers quantify number of extra-terrestrial civilizationsPrint
World
Written by Chris Perver  
Thursday, 05 February 2009 15:59
Up to 37,000 extra-terrestrial civilizations could exist within our galaxy, according to new research published in the International Journal of Astrobiology. Using a computer simulation of a galaxy similar to our own, combined with the statistical information on extra-solar planets that have so far been discovered, the scientists believe that it is theoretically possible that there are many other planets in the universe capable of supporting life. University of Edinburgh researcher Duncan Forgan believes that anything from 361 to 37,964 intelligent civilizations could exist in our Milky Way using data generated from a computer model of the galaxy.

Quote: "The first assumed that it is difficult for life to be formed but easy for it to evolve, and suggested there were 361 intelligent civilisations in the galaxy. A second scenario assumed life was easily formed but struggled to develop intelligence. Under these conditions, 31,513 other forms of life were estimated to exist. The final scenario examined the possibility that life could be passed from one planet to another during asteroid collisions - a popular theory for how life arose here on Earth. That approach gave a result of some 37,964 intelligent civilisations in existence.

Of course the model was created using several major assumptions, none of which have been proven to be factual. The first assumption is that planet Earth is not unique in the universe. Most extra-solar planets have been discovered through indirect methods, such as detecting a 'wobble' in a star's orbit, or the periodic dimming of a star's light as the body passes between it and the Earth. But so far no extra-solar planets have been found to be actually capable of supporting life. The second assumption is that life is capable of spontaneously arising from non-living matter. That has been proven to be scientifically impossible. The law of Biogenesis states that life can only come from life. Yet evolutionists must assume that not only was this gulf bridged in the past, but that it is being bridged in the present. The third assumption is that if life evolved on planet Earth, then it must have evolved elsewhere. It has been calculated that the probability of a single protein molecule arising by chance is about the same as if you had a solar system filled with blind men who all solve the Rubik's cube puzzle at exactly the same time. The probability is so low it is considered a mathematical impossibility. The research goes on to state that even if there were advanced alien civilizations akin to that of mankind, that contact with them would be virtually impossible. The distances involved are simply too vast, even for radio communications. And that is assuming that we could communicate with them in a method that these extra-terrestrial life forms would understand, and that they would be benevolent creatures who could be reasoned with.

Why all the interest in extra-terrestrial life? Last year NASA announced that they believed Martian soil may have the potential for sustaining life. But that notion was later disproved after it was discovered the soil contained a highly toxic chemical called perchlorate, and that Mars was most likely incapable of supporting life. There were also announcements by the Vatican and Lutheran Church stating that the discovery of extra-terrestrial life would not be incompatible with their beliefs. But the Bible teaches us that the Earth is unique and that it is the only planet in the universe that was designed to support life (Isaiah 45:18). And the Bible teaches us that mankind is the pinnacle of God's creation, that he was created in the image of God, to be steward over everything that God has made (Genesis 1:26-27). If extra-terrestrial life was found to exist on other planets, it would severely undermine the truth of the Scriptures, which are the very foundation upon which our faith is built. Just as the theory of evolution has sought to undermine man's prime position in God's creation, so the discovery of extra-terrestrial life would shatter any remaining beliefs about our unique place in the universe. Mankind would just be one of many intelligent races in this universe, and a relatively young and insignificant one at that. As I stated in the previous article, it's the same for homosexuality. If Christians can be forced to admit that it is okay for men to marry men and women to marry women, then God never created a man and woman in the beginning, and you may as well just throw out the rest of the Bible. That is what it comes down to. And that is why despite there being a zero percent chance of anyone ever coming into contact with an extra-terrestrial civilization, the 'possibility' of the existance of extra-terrestrial life is constantly kept alive in the media.

But there is good news. Extra-terrestrial life does exist. Maybe not on other planets. But the most intelligent Being in this universe will someday make an appearance in the skies above planet Earth (1st Thessalonians 4:17). The Bible is true. Jesus Christ is coming back. Are you ready to meet Him? Have you had your sins forgiven? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

John 14:1-3
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Source BBC, CNet, Wired

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