6-Is Anybody Out There?
The Fingerprints of God
Pastor Mike Cooke
1.
“Drake’s Equation” leads us to believe life in the Universe is
common.
(Dr. Frank Drake in 1961, Principle of Mediocrity, Copernicus, Carl
Sagan)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
B.
is.
R* = the average rate of star formation in our galaxy.
fp = the fraction of those stars that have planets. (Kepler mission estimated
2,000 by planet passing in front of stars)
ne = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star
that has planets. (1 in 10 in our solar system)
fl = the fraction of planets that could support life that actually develop life at
some point. (This is a point of divergence)
fi = the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent
life (civilizations).
fc = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases
detectable signs of their existence into space.
L = the length of time for which such civilizations release detectable signals
into space.
Conclusion (N) = the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which radiocommunication might be possible (i.e. which are on our current past light
cone).
Assuming the other galaxies are as rich as our, the number of planets in our
Universe could be 1020.
The “Rare Earth” hypothesis emphasizes how unique our planet
(Peter Ward, Donald Brownlee, Rare Earth, 2000)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
The right location in the right kind of galaxy (affects the elements available
and the amount and type of radiation).
Orbiting at the right distance from the right type of star (affects the
temperature of the planet and availability of liquid water, called the habitable
zone). None of the 66 planets discovered outside our solar system so far exist
in that zone.
With the right arrangement of planets (large outer planets provide protection
from asteroids).
A continuously stable orbit (without large planets too close).
A terrestrial planet of the right size (larger planets lack the diverse terrain,
smaller planets cannot hold atmosphere).
With plate tectonics (contributes to biodiversity, temperature regulation,
carbon cycle, and magnetic field).
A large moon (giant impact theory of a collision with another planet)
1)
Caused the earth’s rotation allowing for photosynthesis.
2)
Caused the earth’s tilt allowing for seasonal variation.
3)
Also affects tidal forces and plate tectonics.
An evolutionary trigger for complex life.
I.
Calculating the 38 know variables that must exist for life, puts the odds of
another planet being about to sustain life at 1 in 10120.
3.
The “Anthropic Principle” notices the Universe is “Fine-Tuned”
for life.
(Paul Davies, The Goldilocks Enigma, 2006)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
4.
If life did exist, would we ever know it?
(Hugh
A.
B.
C.
D.
5.
The absurd universe: Our universe just happens to be the way it is.
The unique universe: There is a deep underlying unity in physics which
necessitates the Universe being the way it is. Some Theory of Everything will
explain why the various features of the Universe must have exactly the values
that we see.
The multiverse: Multiple universes exist, having all possible combinations of
characteristics, and we inevitably find ourselves within a universe that allows
us to exist.
Intelligent Design: A creator designed the Universe with the purpose of
supporting complexity and the emergence of intelligence.
The life principle: There is an underlying principle that constrains the Universe
to evolve towards life and mind.
The self-explaining universe: A closed explanatory or causal loop: "perhaps
only universes with a capacity for consciousness can exist." This is Wheeler's
Participatory Anthropic Principle (PAP).
The fake universe : We live inside a virtual reality simulation.
Ross, Lights in the Sky & Little Green Men)
NASA’s fastest spacecraft would take 112,000 years to reach the nearest star.
Even at half the speed of light, that trip would take 9 years.
No star within 50 light years has a gas giant planet.
Hugh Ross calculates a ship with sufficient mass, armor, and speed to make
the trip with sentient beings aboard would need 23,000 years to get here.
What does the Bible say about life on other planets?
A.
B.
C.
D.
There is no verse that mentions life on any other planets.
In the Bible, God created animals, angels, and mankind in His own image.
Deuteronomy 4:19-20
And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—
all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and
worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under
heaven.
Colossians 1:16
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have
been created through him and for him.