Chapter 1, Problem 1RQ

Why are scientists interested in the possibility of life beyond Earth?

To determine

The reason scientists are interested for possibility of life beyond earth

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The reason scientist are interested for life beyond earth because any form of life discovery beyond earth can change the perspective of life. It will aslo  helps to change perspectice of meaning of life on earth as compared to life beyond earth.

Explanation of Solution

Scientist search for life on other planets or stars to get new perspective towards life. For them life on planets can be in any form, from small bacteria to may be a giant organism. It can be of any form which might have never been experienced on earth. For scientists any evidence of life in any form from smallest matter to largest form will change their perspective of life.

Moreover, this new life in space might give them whole new definition of life. It will also help them to understand the fact that how life on earth will fit with the life on universe.

Defining life is a critical concept for scientist. It is very difficult to differentiate between living and non living. For example on earth only life exist in many form which might hardly be similar. Bacteria, plants , animals, humans etc. all are various life forms and all of these have differences.

All of these can move but so does ocean and clouds do too. Can ocean and clouds be considered as living. Similarly they all can reproduce but fire can also reproduce but it is not considered as living. Term life is difficult to define.

Similary, Scientists wants to get the new perspective of life by searching life form on other planets and stars. They want to compare life on earth with life beyond earth.

Therefore, scientists search for life to get perspective of life beyond earth.

Conclusion:

Thus,the reason scientist are interested for life beyond earth because any form of life discovery beyond earth can change the perspective of life. It will aslo  helps to change perspectice of meaning of life on earth as compared to life beyond earth.