Americans are continuously ridiculed in the media for our inability to recognize the world around us. We become so enthralled in our American dream that we fail to remember our surrounding countries and the problems that these countries are experiencing. As we order our grande Starbucks drinks, we forget to remember the Ugandans who are without clean drinking water. What would we do with the knowledge of life on other planets or in other galaxies?
[NASA]
NASA recently launched the Kepler Space Telescope into orbit. Although the $600 million telescope has been in orbit for four months, the Kepler has already located 1,235 potential planets. Of these planets, 54 planets are orbiting within what is known as a habitable or “Goldilocks” zone; meaning that they are located the correct distance away from the sun to have liquid water and support advanced life forms. Additional images and statistics from the Kepler in the coming months will allow scientists to determine approximately how many of these newfound planets are, indeed, planets and how many are simply large stars or other galactic imperfections.
[NASA via AP]
Due to the planets’ distance from Earth, we cannot send astronauts to research. Scientists expect to receive enough information to determine the existence of life on these distant planets as the telescope continues reporting back during its three-and-a-half year project. It will be several months before any confirmations of advanced intergalactic life can be made.
While the data from NASA is relatively indisputable, we have to consider what would happen with the knowledge of alternate life forms living lightyears away from our comfortable little slice of suburbia. We choose to ignore those living across an ocean from us and barely respond to those asking us to be globally aware. What will happen if-- or when-- we have to universally aware as well?
[NASA]
These images of a huge galaxy beyond our own causes one to wonder what life is like on these foreign planets. As technology increases, these planets will become increasingly accessible to us. Will churches send out missionaries to spread religion to these newfound planets? Perhaps trips abroad will change from international to interplanetary. Or will these new planets fade off into the back of our minds or will our entire mindset change?
Wow, how thought-provoking! In 1834, when the New York Sun perpetrated its famous "Moon Hoax" about life on the moon, societies organized to send missionaries to the moon. I think you might be on to something in your speculations.