The Fermi paradox highlights the apparent contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations existing in the universe and the lack of evidence for, or contact with, such civilizations. Named after physicist Enrico Fermi, it questions why we haven't observed signs of alien life despite the vast number of stars and potentially habitable planets.
congrats on reading the definition of Fermi paradox. now let's actually learn it.
The Fermi paradox was named after physicist Enrico Fermi who famously asked 'Where is everybody?' during a casual conversation in 1950.
One proposed solution is that intelligent civilizations self-destruct before they can communicate or travel across interstellar distances.
Another hypothesis suggests that advanced civilizations are avoiding us or adhering to a form of cosmic quarantine.
The Drake Equation is often used in discussions about the Fermi paradox to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy.
The paradox underscores the challenges in detecting extraterrestrial life, including vast distances, limitations in current technology, and potential differences in communication methods.
Review Questions
What is the main question posed by the Fermi paradox?
How does the Drake Equation relate to the Fermi paradox?
Name one possible solution to why we haven't detected extraterrestrial civilizations according to the Fermi paradox.