It is always fun to read about all the theories and thoughts about alien life in the universe. Scientists and regular folk alike speculate on the matter as it relates to the fundamentals of life itself.

For eons we have looked up at the night sky, asking whether we are alone in the universe, whether the thousands of stars we see with our naked eyes host planets that, in turn, host life.

This is a burning question that has probably been asked by every single human being on the planet. But, we are yet to find a solid answer to it (at least officially that is. Who knows if someone somewhere knows already!)

Anyways, in a recent study, it was found that our very Milky Way Galaxy could be home to some 36 different alien civilizations. This is not a study exploring concrete evidence but more of a prediction derived from actual data.

Teeming With Life?

Who wouldn't want to meet people from other worlds if they are friendly, amirite? I sure would! Think about all that you would get to learn from them - culture, technology, language, lifestyle, and so much more!

The study that has indicated towards there being more civilizations out there was authored by Christopher Conselice, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Nottingham. This study has been published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Conselice said that based on the assumption that intelligent life takes at least 5 billion years to form on other planets, there could be dozens of civilizations in our galaxy. He also said that his idea is about taking evolution to the cosmic scale to arrive on a number.

However, he also thinks that these civilizations are very far from each other (at least 17,000 light-years). If they are not advanced enough, there would be no way to communicate with each other. There would have to be some sort of faster-than-light travel for this to even be possible.

Also of importance is the insight that most of these civilizations could have died off. The universe is really really old and even if there have been life here and there, it doesn't mean we share the same timeframe.

Although the study doesn't prove anything, it is still quite refreshing to think about all this. Maybe we will find an alien race or maybe they will find us. OR maybe, just maybe, they might already be here and the general public doesn't know? ;)