A trip to the moon might constrain the Fermi Paradox. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simons, S. Stoney; Haqq-Misra, Jacob D.
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 106(2019)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Exoplanetary life -- Biosignatures -- Thermodynamic disequilibrium -- mid-IR spectroscopy -- Lunar-based observatory; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2018.06.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Highlights: Planetary distances and a definition of life thwart resolution of the Fermi paradox. Electromagnetic radiation is the best medium for probing exoplanets for signs of life. Mid-IR spectroscopy is the most informative region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Moon-based mid-IR spectra yield more information about life than any other platform. Current estimates for a lunar platform are 10-fold lower than previous estimates. Abstract: The failure to resolve the 70 year old Fermi paradox has been limited by the vastness of the Universe, the inability to search even a fraction of the Universe in a reasonable time period, and the lack of agreement on the criteria for life. We suggest that one approach is to use cyclical perturbations of thermodynamic equilibria on exoplanets within range of the most powerful mid-infrared (mid-IR) telescopes as a general screening tool for the possible existence of any form of life. We argue that the optimal platform for such a mid-IR search is on the Earth's moon.