oversimplifying

Does it exist extraterrestrial life? Yes or no?. We often think that science evolves based on strong and solid statements. We have the perception that there is absolute agreement among all scientists in the world. “Science says so.” Thus, as if all scientists had a hive mind. However, those who rely on categorical statements, without asking questions, are characters like Marcos Llorentewith his yellow glasses and his fear of water vapor. Scientific knowledge, on the other hand, evolves through uncertainty and consensus that can change as research continues. This is what a team of scientists from Durham University is studying with their project C-SCOPE (Center for the Survey and Evaluation of Opinion of the Scientific Community). Its objective is precisely to understand how much consensus there is in some of the most important disciplines of science. Astrophysics is usually one that generates the most doubts among its own researchers, as well was seen in a recently published study. For this reason, they wanted to go further and analyze the opinion of hundreds of astrobiologists regarding the idea that extraterrestrial life exists. Two milestones about extraterrestrial life. These surveys were made in 2025, after two important studies were published pointing to a possible discovery of extraterrestrial life. The first of these studies was carried out with data from exoplanet K2-18bin which traces of dimethylsulfides and dimethyldisulfides were found, both substances that on Earth are related to biological activity. The second, however, took place much closeron Mars. In a rock on the red planet called Cheyava Falls, structures known as leopard spots were identified, which on our planet are related to microbial activity. When asking hundreds of astrobiologists about each of these studies, opinion was very divided. Of course, it seemed that there were a little less doubts with the second. The data. Regarding extraterrestrial life on K2-18b, 6.6% of those surveyed agreed to make this hypothesis, while 65.4% disagreed and 28% pointed to neutrality. Regarding the Martian rock, 15.1% of astrobiologists showed agreement, 44.6% disagreement and 40.3% neutrality. Among those who showed disagreement, they were also asked if it was a categorical disagreement or with some reluctance. In the first case there was 35.1% complete disagreement, but in the second only 11.1%. Possible reasons. As explained in The Conversation one of the authors of this study, Peter Vickers, possibly this greater agreement in the case of Mars has an explanation. And, although the planet’s biosignatures were calculated with indirect methods at interstellar distances, the rock from Mars could be analyzed directly by the Perseverance rover. in situ. Errors can also occur, but not as easily as with K2-18b. It is impossible to know. If there is something that all scientists agree on, it is that many of the characteristics that on Earth are usually considered biological They can also be the result of geological processes. Therefore, it is impossible to know for sure if there is extraterrestrial life only by analyzing these biosignatures. The data should always be read with caution. Only the discovery of a living organism would be conclusive in this regard. Let’s not get confused. Science is based on evidence, not opinions. When there is evidence of something, such as that vaccines save lives, there is no room for opinions. However, on more complex topics to study, such as those related to space, there may be opinions, which in turn are supported by evidence. That is precisely what C-SCOPE scientists have seen with this new study. We should not simplify. “Treating scientific opinion as pro or con runs the risk of oversimplification.” This is what we saw at the beginning of this text. The answer to whether there is extraterrestrial life cannot simply be a yes or no. There are many nuances that must be investigated and evidence that will surely evolve over time. Unfortunately, as Vickers also points out, “public debates often invoke scientific consensus.” Scientific consensus exists and is necessary, but individual opinions, as long as they are well founded, are just as useful. This is how science grows and is enriched. Based on data, questions and reviews. We should not trust a scientist who answers the question about life beyond Earth with a simple yes or no, because science is not that polarized. That, although it can sometimes frustrate us a little, is part of what makes it so fascinating. Image | Katrin Hauf (Unsplash) In Xataka | China is getting closer to surpassing NASA in its Martian mission. And just invited other countries to join