The southern Milky Way as viewed above ALMA is illustrative of one way we search for signals of intelligent aliens: through the radio band. If we found a signal, or if we transmitted a signal that was then found and responded to, it would be one of the greatest achievements in our planet’s history. (ESO/B. TAFRESHI/TWAN)

It’s Never ‘Aliens’ Unless Your Claim Passes This One Scientific Test

Thou shalt not conclude “aliens” from insufficient data.

When it comes to what’s out there in this Universe, perhaps the only thing that’s greater than our cosmic ignorance is the power of our imaginations. Are there extraterrestrials out there, somewhere, in the Universe or even our own galaxy? Have they come closer than that, perhaps, like being present in our Solar System or even here on Earth?

And, if the answer is yes, then what type of alien life forms are they? Are they simple, in the sense that a single-celled organism is simple? Are they complex, in the sense that a multicellular, differentiated organism with multiple specialized structures and functions is complex? Or are they even intelligent, sentient, and technologically advanced?

Contrary to the popular narrative, the scientific community is anything but resistant to investigating the issue. What they are strongly resistant to, however, is legitimizing such claims that lack sufficient evidence. The first commandment of being a scientist, when faced with claims of extraterrestrials, is this: “Thou shalt not conclude ‘aliens’ from insufficient data.” For all of human history, those are the only claims we’ve had.