Overheard on CNN.com: Space, science invoke some of life's thorniest questions
An artist's rendering of sunset on Gliese 667 Cc, a previously-discovered super-Earth.
March 29th, 2012
07:18 PM ET

Overheard on CNN.com: Space, science invoke some of life's thorniest questions

Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.

CNN's Light Years blog always seems to be addressing some of life's biggest, most perplexing and indeed thorniest questions. Our readers often go there to debate grand themes and ponder the meaning of the universe.

1. Are we alone?

Astronomers have estimated that in our galaxy, there are tens of billions of rocky planets not so much bigger than Earth that could be candidates for harboring life.

Astronomers: Billions of 'super-Earths' in habitable zone of red dwarf stars

It follows that many would ask whether there is life on other planets. Readers have varied views on this.

Etheras: "Life as-we-know-it is unlikely to be plentiful. ... If you keep adding-on all the vital elements to the evolution of life as-we-know-it (the only life we can say for sure exists) it becomes increasingly plausible that life (at least 'complex life') in the universe is very rare. Its just a numbers game. So why do scientists constantly talk about life on other planets? Money. They want headlines because headlines means publicity which means grants. They're telling people what those people want to hear, because if they didn't people wouldn't give them money. Now ... I'm not saying life doesn't exist on other planets. I am saying that, its more likely than not, humankind will never find another intelligent civilization, even if we could colonize half the galaxy. Sorry chums, we're alone."

Brandon T: "As an astronomer studying exoplanets, there are still too many unknowns to even consider evaluating the possibility of life on other planets. Viewed statistically, however, it is EXTREMELY unlikely that the only planet known to harbor life would ultimately involve life intelligent enough to ask this question. Therefore, it's likely that there are many planets out there with non-intelligent life, at the very least."

2. Can religion and science coexist?

Stories about research into human origins often give rise to debates over evolution, creation, science and religion.

The discovery of a partial foot fossil in Ethiopia suggests that our human ancestors were possibly an occasional tree-climber and an occasional upright walker.

Scientists discover foot of possible human ancestor

Some of our readers expressed feeling a strong sense of inner conflict.

syz: "Why all three holy books have written that human were created by God? Currently I am in a dilemma. I know evolution is true, that means Bible is false. But if I am Christian, are you telling me not to read the Bible? How can we practice science and read Bible same time? Is that possible? Do I have to be atheist to believe in evolution? Unless the scientists can answer this question, i.e. the question whether God exists or not, the Bible will remain and will prevail among all."

Steffan: "I too have been conflicted with a mesh of science and faith. Basically, time has always been a work in motion. Time as it is now was formalized not too long ago. Who is to say how long a day was back then? See the point? When you take all that into consideration, it's certainly plausible."

Dan: "Do you think God wants us to be able to prove that he exists? I think not –- any idiot (or at least most of us) will believe something that can be proven. It is called belief for a reason? I believe in God, if you require proof, you are in the wrong business; you believe the Bible to be true and yet then cite that as proof that God exists? The Bible contains great truths it is not literal truth, i.e. factual. Science does not require the truths contained in the Bible or in religion in general to be false, just not literally true."

3. What's our place in the universe?

This question may be the most challenging to answer of them all. Several comments in one Light Years/Geek Out! post have referenced this idea.

Citizen scientists shape destiny of humanity

The Allen Telescope Array is a collection of small satellite dishes that can simultaneously pick up signals for radio astronomy research. A woman named Jill Tarter wants to have humans analyze the signals the array sends back in real time, a task that current machines can't do. The more eyes and ears, the better chance of finding evidence of intelligent life.

Our readers from Light Years often talk about the purpose of science and space exploration. What drives us to look up at the stars? Is space travel worth the effort? Here's what two readers had to say.

RMc: "As sure as I am here (pinch), they are out there. If humanity wishes to conquer the stars, we must get off this rock. There will come a day that we harvest planets like we harvest a crop. It's sad to see us fighting over a speck of sand amongst a cosmic sandbox. Just because we are small doesn't mean we have to think small."

iBod: "Very good thought. I wish to see the day we land on Mars. I am only 19, so maybe by then - 10 to 30 years down the line - I'll be sipping a Pina Colada on old Luna watching them. LOL! Thinking in that context, you realize, we are only getting started."

But here's what another reader opined, in explaining why they feel a sense of doubt about SETI's efforts to find intelligent life.

MrHanson: "Exercise: Think of an experiment that would be very expensive, with a very low probability of success that might take decades or centuries, but, if successful, would reveal something interesting. Create a list of selling points on why private foundations or governments should fund your experiment, but be honest: tell them 'You can think of lots of ways that this experiment wouldn’t work.' Practice your spiel with all the emotive power you can muster, and see if you can convince a friend."

Do you have any answers to these questions, or even more questions you want to ask? Share your opinion in the comments area below and in the latest stories on CNN.com. Or sound off on video via CNN iReport.

Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.

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Filed under: Overheard on CNN.com • Religion • Science • Space
soundoff (80 Responses)
  1. bobcat (in a hat) ©

    The government just got done spending what I'm sure is billions of dollars to find out that pesticides is what has been killing off the bee populations. Now they are going to spend countless billions more speculating on wether there is life somewhere else in the universe. It seems that money could be put a lot better use right here on good oid earth.

    March 29, 2012 at 7:53 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Greek American

    @bobcat
    Agreed. I think we could possibly halt this research for a while or definitely minimize it while the country is financially burdened as it is. Besides, I don't see anybody actually living on the moon in the near future or ever for that matter.

    March 29, 2012 at 8:14 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Jeff Frank (R-Ohio) "Right Wing Insanity"

    Space, science invoke some of life’s thorniest questions

    Can you take and slap that silly grin off the man in the moon?
    If we can have government sponsored birth control, then can Obama setup plans for a mission to Uranus?
    If Pluto is no longer a planet, then why is al-Bashad still a president?
    If there is life on other planets, then why haven't we been there Saturday nights clubbing already?

    March 29, 2012 at 8:52 pm | Report abuse |
    • bobcat (in a hat) ©

      Very profound my friend.

      March 29, 2012 at 9:24 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Greek American

    @Jeff
    Hahahahahahaha. Good one.
    Now I must leave though and go troll other posts. Ha.
    Have a nice evening.

    March 29, 2012 at 8:58 pm | Report abuse |
  5. leeintulsa

    i disagree. we live on a planet of finite resources. sooner or later, we will run out. i read an article a little while back that said helium's days are numbered. i'm not sure what all we need helium for, but i do see it as a harbringer for other elements.

    some elements are, and have been, more plentiful than others – carbon is everywhere, platinum not so much. there are elements required to make circuit boards and electronics that china has a lock on, because they aren't found anywhere else.

    i feel it would be extremely short-sighted of us to abandon space exploration and perhaps colonization, even if we initially intend nothing more than mining.

    they've found asteroids made almost entirely of gold. should we sit back while china mines them?

    should we wait until our planet is strangled by overpopulation and pollution to start looking elsewhere?

    it very well could be the most important endeavor we have..

    March 29, 2012 at 9:15 pm | Report abuse |
    • bobcat (in a hat) ©

      Seeing as how these things you speak of won't even be possible for, most likely, hundreds of years from now, the point is essentially moot. We have much more pressing problems on our planrt that demand immediate attetion.

      March 29, 2012 at 9:30 pm | Report abuse |
  6. banasy©

    Hmmm.
    A lot of food for thought here.
    Guess I'll think on it a while! 🙂

    March 29, 2012 at 9:29 pm | Report abuse |
  7. hamsta

    dumbcat how does it feel to be trolled Stop impersonating me

    March 29, 2012 at 9:32 pm | Report abuse |
    • banasy©

      Where in the HELL do you get that?!??
      OMG, I am laughing so hard right now, I can't see straight!

      March 29, 2012 at 9:38 pm | Report abuse |
  8. hamsta

    i type my name in every day to see what he put under my name, then i have to go back and comment. laugh all you want banasy im not dumb

    March 29, 2012 at 9:40 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Lotto Boi !

    Part of the problem might be that more people would rather win the lottery than have these questions answered.

    March 29, 2012 at 9:45 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Greek American

    Hamsta returns!!! I haven't trolled you though buddy. I just got trolled for the first time last week though!!! Troll this s*#t! Hahaha

    March 29, 2012 at 9:50 pm | Report abuse |
  11. banasy©

    Type your name in where?
    You weren't even on this board!
    How can he troll you?
    What are you talking about?
    I'm not trying to be mean, and I don't think you are dumb, but I am genuinely curious as to how you came up with that...because I get trolled here all the time, as does everyone else.
    If you can tell me a surefire way, I will gladly send you a check!

    March 29, 2012 at 9:54 pm | Report abuse |
  12. raven

    Science and faith aren't mutually exclusive. The scientist searching for a cure for _______ , would have to have plenty. Most experiments fail miserably countless times before succeeding. Faith is belief without proof. Religion, well, that is just a demonstration of faith. Now ,God, thats a whole nother animal. I think if hes up there, he would be more pleased with the faithful scientist than he would be with the clergyman who doubts.

    March 29, 2012 at 9:57 pm | Report abuse |
  13. hamsta

    search engine on the home page. it shows i posted early this morning when I was working. Consider it a favor banasy

    March 29, 2012 at 9:58 pm | Report abuse |
    • banasy©

      Why do you think it was bobcat?

      March 29, 2012 at 10:03 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Greek American

    Hahaha @banasy
    Consider it a favor OK? Hahahahahahaha, I swear I am laughing so hard now.

    March 29, 2012 at 10:01 pm | Report abuse |
    • hamsta

      Greek American laugh yourself all the way back to your socialist country

      March 29, 2012 at 10:08 pm | Report abuse |
  15. hamsta

    banasy his ip address was tracked

    March 29, 2012 at 10:07 pm | Report abuse |
    • banasy©

      Uh huh.

      Whatever, my Ukraine doll.

      March 29, 2012 at 10:24 pm | Report abuse |
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