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In the last decade, we have discovered thousands of planets outside our solar system and have learned that rocky, temperate worlds are numerous in our galaxy. The next step will involve asking even bigger questions. Could some of these planets host life? And if so, will we be able to recognize life elsewhere if we see it?
A group of leading researchers in astronomy, biology and geology has come together under NASA's Nexus for Exoplanet System Science, or NExSS, to take stock of our knowledge in the search for life on distant planets and to lay the groundwork for moving the related sciences forward.
In a set of five review papers published last week in the scientific journal Astrobiology, NExSS scientists took an inventory of the most promising signs of life, called biosignatures. The paper authors include four scientists from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. They considered how to interpret the presence of biosignatures, should we detect them on distant worlds. A primary concern is ensuring the science is strong enough to distinguish a living world from a barren planet masquerading as one.
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7171
[Abstract]: Exoplanet Biosignatures: A Review of Remotely Detectable Signs of Life
[Also Covered By]: PHYS.ORG
(Score: 3, Insightful) by DannyB on Tuesday June 26 2018, @08:42PM (5 children)
All alien life will have two arms, two legs, a torso, one head, two eyes, one nose, one mouth, two ears. The facial features may be slightly different. But always will be augmented from the perfect human form. (eg, the alien face won't be missing a chunk, but may have an additional nose ridge, pointy ears, larger forehead, etc.)
The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.
(Score: 2) by arslan on Tuesday June 26 2018, @10:21PM
... and 4 fingers. That's what the Simpsons taught me too!
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Tuesday June 26 2018, @11:31PM (1 child)
You forgot: Alien life will have male and female forms, with females sporting huge chests and a strong sexual appetite towards W Shatner.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 27 2018, @02:24AM
I'm ready for alien bestiality. Just find me a hole.
(Score: 2) by Taibhsear on Thursday June 28 2018, @06:56PM (1 child)
Huh, I always figured the humanoid aliens were just the easiest to interact with in those shows. My take away from those shows was how varied life could be, humanoid and non.
http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Vorlon [wikia.com]
http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Shadow [wikia.com]
http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Non-humanoid_species [wikia.com]
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Thursday June 28 2018, @07:39PM
B5 and Trek did have some non-humanoid species.
But I'm making light of the fact that the only practical way to make a show with regular ongoing interactions among characters is when they are played by human actors. There were limited interactions with Kosh, and that was probably a good idea, or the mystery would wear off quickly if you get to see him too much or too closely.
The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.