SETI anyone?

What technological methods do we currently have that can detect life on other planets?

Presently we're still trying to develop more sophisticated detection methods for terrestrial Earth-like exoplanets orbiting in the habitable zone surrounding its star. Even if we discover another world with the exact likeness, characteristics and chemical composition of our own planet (Earth's twin if you will) that still doesn't get us the proof we need to confirm living organisms on its surface via direct observation since extrasolar planets are obviously extremely faint light sources compared to their parent stars.

Not terribly good methods, I'm afraid. Most of them involve conjectures over the supposed 'goldilocks' nature of spectra emitted and locations of orbiting bodies, for example.

Pippy knows all they have to do is go talk to the alien they've got in area 51.

Who remembers pippy?

We know theyre out there, it's impossible for them not to be. Im highley doubtful we will find intelligent life but we have go to the planets first or we will never truely know.

Pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in space
'cause there's bugger all down here on earth.
- Monty Python Galaxy Song

(May 14, 2011 at 4:03 am)Welsh cake Wrote: What technological methods do we currently have that can detect life on other planets?

Presently we're still trying to develop more sophisticated detection methods for terrestrial Earth-like exoplanets orbiting in the habitable zone surrounding its star. Even if we discover another world with the exact likeness, characteristics and chemical composition of our own planet (Earth's twin if you will) that still doesn't get us the proof we need to confirm living organisms on its surface via direct observation since extrasolar planets are obviously extremely faint light sources compared to their parent stars.

One could remotely detect strong leading evidence, if not conclusive proof, of life on another planet by looking for spectroscopic evidence of high concentration of gases that are chemically unstable in the environment of the planet, but which would be natural end product of any biological respiration process.

One example would be methane in a warm planetary environment subjected to substantial UV radiation from its parent sun. Another would be free oxygen. Both compounds either breakdown or chemically react within geologically short periods. High concentration of these gases in a warm atmosphere would indicate sustained surface process systematically manufactureing those gases.

Uh-oh...

More seriously... they need to stop (All of them) trying to find extraterrestrial life. And especially need to stop attempting to contact said life. They are very likely *not* friendly if they as a race have managed to survive for so long.