Extraterrestrial Life

Life in space or, in other words, extraterrestrial life, is one of the most controversial and unresolved topics in the 21^st century. This question attracts attention of many people, including biologists, astronomers, and other run-of-the-mill scientists. Moreover, the answer to this question is fascinating from philosophical point of view because it deals with the presence of intelligent life in different corners of the universe. It may also provide the humanity with answers to some personal questions concerning the significance of human life in the universe.

The given paper aims to shed light of the nature of extraterrestrial life. In addition, much attention will be paid to the review of the article The Detection of Extraterrestrial Life and the Consequences for Science and Society by Dominik and Zarnecki.

Taking into consideration the definition of the term extraterrestrial life, it is important to note that this term means life that does not originate from the Earth. In spite of the fact that many researchers claim that extraterrestrial life really exists, some experts in the sphere of biology disprove the existence of extraterrestrial life (Dominik & Zarnecki 499). Dominik and Zarnecki are proponents of the idea that extraterrestrial life is not a myth, but a reality. They state that the existence of intelligent life in space is based on what people know of biology. The researchers assure that the detection of extraterrestrial life will have tremendous influences on society and further scientific discoveries (Dominik & Zarnecki 499).

According to the main idea of the article presented by the researchers, there is no valid and accurate scientific evidence that either proves or refutes the existence of extraterrestrial life beyond the Earth. At present, the majority of arguments that prove the existence of life in cosmos are based on philosophical beliefs and assumptions (Dominik & Zarnecki 500).  However, these philosophical theories motivate scientists to test the hypotheses and prove the validity and truthfulness of the theory. Dominik and Zarnecki emphasize that scientists in numerous fields of science have made attempts to provide convincing arguments that the Earth is not the unique place in the universe that is settled with living organisms (Dominik & Zarnecki 501).

For instance, in 1995, the researchers successfully found a planet that resembled the Sun because of similar composition. In 1957, scientists have launched the first Earth-orbiting artificial satellite in order to explore outer space and take space probes. Besides, the year 2010 is marked as the 50^th anniversary of scientific search for radio signals from other civilizations (Dominik & Zarnecki 503).

Regardless the fact that these experiments have led to negative results, they encouraged scientists to continue their investigations. Martin Dominik and John Zarnecki have come to conclusions that such three major factors as lack of knowledge, enormous distance that is measured in light-years, and insufficient technologies are the major challenges or obstructions that deprive researchers engaged in this sphere of opportunity to succeed and prove that humans are not the only living organisms in the universe (Dominik & Zarnecki 503).

Finally, the researchers claim that because the detection of extraterrestrial intelligence will drastically challenge human view of nature, a broad public should have a chance to have advanced knowledge about the truthfulness of this theory and its development (Dominik & Zarnecki 504).

Having reviewed and assessed the main points of view presented by Dominik and Zarnecki in the article The Detection of Extraterrestrial Life and the Consequences for Science and Society, it is possible to make a conclusion that the authors addressed this topic with seriousness and professionalism. Because of well-thought structure of the article that is divided into several subsections, including abstract and clear main body, this article serves as easy to understand and comprehensible synthesis and explanation of complicated scientific phenomena.

Furthermore, contribution of the presented ideas to biology, chemistry, and physics is enormous because the authors of the article stress that various fields of science should cooperate and share their knowledge in order to get positive results. For example, despite the fact that Martin Dominik and John Zarnecki review the research data presented by Drake, Sagan, Crowe, and many other researchers, they try to concentrate on their own assumptions and findings (Dominik & Zarnecki 499).

In addition, it is important to note that they aim to prove that humanity is on the verge of incredible discoveries. In other words, even if scientists find microbes, extraterrestrial fossils, or viruses outside the Earth, it will definitely motivate the biologists to move forward to find more intelligent living organisms. I absolutely agree to points of view of Martin Dominik and John Zarnecki and their attitudes towards existence of extraterrestrial life.

For instance, I cannot but agree with their estimation that solar system is so huge that cannot be easily explored even with help of innovative space crafts and satellites.Furthermore, I support the assumption of the researchers that the discovery of extraterrestrial life is one of the biggest opportunities in a human history and a realistic chance to prove that humans are not alone in the universe.

Thus, having shed light on the essence of extraterrestrial life and reviewed the article by Dominik and Zarnecki on the impact of extraterrestrial life on science and society, it is possible to sum up that the greatest mystery that is connected with extraterrestrial life will be discovered soon because universe is boundless breadth with countless amounts of unknown planets and living organisms. A wealth of scientific experience, technological advancements, effective work of researchers in different spheres of science, and significant investments in development of this theory will give the chance to solve the greatest mysteries of the universe.