FYI: Why Do We Only Search For Aliens That Resemble Life Here On Earth?
A team of Austrian scientists have recently taken their colleagues to task for limiting their extraterrestrial search to carbon-based, water-reliant life. In response, they've begun experiments to see whether, water aside, any other solvents have the necessary properties to support extraterrestrial life. Recently we spoke to Dr. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at SETI, on just why it is we think extraterrestrial life requires water and carbon. Is it simple scientific fact? Not quite. A lack of humility? Not that either. The answer, as is often the case in the annals of science, is one of practicality. Q: So why do we limit our search to carbon-based, water-reliant life like we have here on Earth? A: Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI: It’s true: most researchers who search for extraterrestrial biology look for “life as we know it” – which is to say, carbon-based organisms dependent...