SETI Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence

6th Grade Science

What should we look for?

• Use Earth as a model!– Most life here is very simple bacteria– Complex life can communicate with radios.

Simple Life

• Again use Earth as model!–Goldilocks Conditions•VENUS is too hot for us•MARS is too cold for us•EARTH is just right– Liquid Water (between 0-100°C)

Simple Life

• Extreme Locations for Life on Earth– Deep Ocean (White Smokers)• Tube worms (464°C)

– Hot Springs• Extremophiles

– High acid or base– High Salt

Simple Life

• Where?–On Earth•Meteorites–ALH84001

Simple Life• Where?–Mars•Viking Landers–Nutrient Soup (added Mars Soil)

•Rovers (Spirit & Opportunity)–Drill into rocks

•Global surveyor–Look for water

Simple Life

• Europa (Jupiter’s Moon)– Ice surface with liquid core due to Jupiter’s gravity

• Titan (Saturn’s Moon)– Liquid hydrocarbon lakes (make methane)

• Outside solar system– Look for chemicals of life • Methane• CO2

Complex Life

• SETI– Allen Telescope Array

What has not been Found!

• Little Green Men• Alien UFO (Unidentified Flying Object)• Faces on Mars