Humans have long suspected that they are not alone in the universe, and modern science suggests that there may be dozens of alien civilizations lurking not far from Earth. Some may even be advanced enough to communicate with humans.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham estimate that there are at least 36 intelligent alien civilizations that can communicate in the Milky Way. This estimate is based on the assumption that intelligent life forms on other planets in a similar way to how it forms on Earth, using what they call the Astrobiological Copernican Limit .
Experts also believe that Earth is not really a special civilization. Because it is very likely that there is an Earth-like planet that formed in the same orbit as it, orbiting a Sun-like star, which could completely contain a civilization that developed technology in the same way as humans. According to such speculation, there will be about 36 Earth-like planets.
There are dozens of other civilizations in the Milky Way.
In this case, other technological civilizations are probably also trying to send out signals, such as radio transmissions from satellites and televisions, on a similar timeline as humans, also trying to find other life forms.
Previous calculations of alien life have been based on the Drake equation , which includes the factors needed to find the number of intelligent civilizations, written by astronomer and astrophysicist Frank Drake in 1961. These estimates have been wide ranging, from zero to several billion civilizations.
Now, researchers at Nottingham have refined the equation using new data and assumptions. They found that there are between 4 and 211 possible civilizations that have had the opportunity to communicate with others, with 36 being the most likely number.
Earth's current technology cannot communicate with extraterrestrial life.
However, finding these civilizations is another story because according to scientists, they would be thousands of light years away from us, with Earth's current technology, making detecting or communicating with alien life nearly impossible.
However, the importance of searching for intelligent life outside Earth has always been emphasized, as it will give us insight into the longevity of our own civilization. Humans have been, are and will continue to search for "friends" in the universe. " By searching for intelligent life outside Earth, we are exploring our own future and destiny, " said Conselice.
