SETI, the Social Dynamics of Science, Exoplanetary Environments and the Drake Equation
The rush of new information on exoplanets provides a perfect example of how the space between science and science fiction can be used to generate insights that might help shape the scientific endeavour.
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Description
Despite the fact that intelligent life might well evolve on a super earth, or on a terrestrial planet orbiting an M-class red dwarf, a conceptual exploration of how the social dynamics of science are likely to interact with the environments on those planets suggests that such species are unlikely to develop the capability for, or an interest in interstellar communication. Those same social forces are likely to have the opposite effect on a species that evolves on a habitable exomoon. This indicates that gas giants orbiting in the habitable zones around stars may represent a higher probability target for the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence.
Speaker Bios
Douglas A. Van Belle is a Senior Lecturer in Media Studies at Victoria University and science fiction novelist. In addition to studies of media freedom, and the media’s role in disaster response and the adoption of disaster risk reduction policies , some of his recent work explores the conceptual and social space between science fiction and society, as well as the social nature of the scientific enterprise.
For more information contact: Cherie Lacey or Tim Groves
cherie.lacey@vuw.ac.nz / tim.groves@vuw.ac.nz 04 463 6880 or 04 463 5410