Brief
Scientists say advanced alien life unlikely in nearby exoplanets
Research published in the International Journal of Astrobiology argues that cumulative plant energy, not age, limits complex life on nearby worlds.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology argues that complex extraterrestrial life is unlikely to be found on most nearby exoplanets, according to scitechdaily.com.
The research, led by Chris Doughty of Northern Arizona University, examined 29 exoplanets within a few dozen light‑years that could potentially hold liquid water. The team assessed each planet’s cumulative photosynthetic energy over billions of years, proposing that this metric better predicts evolutionary complexity than planetary age alone.
Only two planets – GJ 1061c and K2‑3d – were identified as having conditions that might allow life to progress beyond Earth’s current stage. Both are larger, hotter, brighter and older than most Earth‑like worlds in the stellar neighborhood. Three additional planets could have reached a level of biodiversity comparable to Earth’s Mesozoic era.
The authors note that many older exoplanets receive insufficient light for extensive photosynthesis, limiting the energy available to drive biological diversification. By contrast, younger, warmer, wetter planets could support more robust plant growth and thus more evolutionary pathways.
During Earth’s early 3.2‑billion‑year period before vascular plants evolved, photosynthesis fixed roughly 2.4 × 10²⁵ g of carbon, providing a baseline for the study’s energy calculations. The authors suggest that similar cumulative energy constraints may apply elsewhere, making advanced alien civilizations rare in our galactic vicinity.
Key facts
- The study examined 29 nearby exoplanets that could host liquid water. (scitechdaily.com)
- Only GJ 1061c and K2‑3d were identified as potentially supporting life beyond Earth’s current stage. (scitechdaily.com)
- Researchers propose cumulative photosynthetic energy as a key factor for complex life development. (scitechdaily.com)
- Three other planets might have reached biodiversity comparable to Earth’s Mesozoic era. (scitechdaily.com)
- Chris Doughty, a professor of ecoinformatics at Northern Arizona University, led the study. (scitechdaily.com)
Sources
- [1] scitechdaily.com — originally reported as “Could Advanced Aliens Be Living Nearby? Scientists Say It’s Unlikely”
