Unlocking the Possibility: Brazilian Astronaut Believes We Are Close to Finding Life Beyond Earth
“We are closer to finding life” outside Earth, according to Brazilian astronaut Laysa Peixoto. During her panel appearance at the CCXP23 Unlock event, she discussed her experiences and scientific findings, shedding light on the progress made in the search for extraterrestrial life.
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Peixoto, at just 19 years old, became the first Brazilian to command an aircraft from NASA. Currently working at NASA’s L’SPACE Academy, she is involved in the development of space exploration technologies and has undergone training to become the first Brazilian woman to go to space.
Her belief in the possibility of intelligent life in the universe is both personal and scientific. Peixoto explains that scientific evidence suggests that we are getting closer to discovering life, including forms that have not yet been identified. Contrary to popular science fiction, she believes that there are various types of life in space, going beyond the concept of “smart life” portrayed in movies and series about aliens.
One of the key factors in the search for extraterrestrial life is the presence of water, which is essential for life as we know it. Peixoto expresses her hope for future expeditions to uncover evidence of life on Mars, given that water has already been discovered on other planets.
Drawing comparisons to the fictional universe of Dune, Peixoto highlights the intriguing possibility of planets completely covered by water. Planets with vastly different characteristics from our own challenge conventional notions of habitability and extend the boundaries of our understanding.
Peixoto’s journey into astronomy and geophysics began in 2020 after attending a class taught by Andrea Ghez, the Nobel laureate for physics that year due to her groundbreaking research on black holes. Inspired by Ghez’s story, Peixoto realized that there was a path to success for her as well.
Addressing the underrepresentation of women in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, Peixoto emphasizes the importance of increasing visibility and creating equal opportunities for women in these domains. She believes that portraying more female scientists and explorers in science fiction movies is crucial to inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science.
Peixoto also advocates for programs and projects that promote the history of women who have made significant contributions to science. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women scientists is vital for inspiring the next generation and discouraging the erasure of their stories.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peixoto immersed herself in space-related research and gained proficiency in using various software for astronomical analysis. At the age of 18, she discovered a new asteroid during her physics course at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Through her involvement with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration program, she contributed to the search for NASA’s celestial bodies. The asteroid she discovered was named LPS0003, with her initials commemorating her contribution.
Addressing the concern of asteroid collisions, as depicted in the Netflix film “Don’t Look Up,” Peixoto emphasizes the ongoing monitoring of such celestial bodies. While the movies may exaggerate the dramatic effects, the possibility of an asteroid colliding with Earth is a real threat. Peixoto highlights the importance of tracking these objects as they pass through our solar system to mitigate potential risks.
Peixoto’s journey from studying physics at UFMG to joining the NASA program through asteroid research showcases the opportunities available in the field of astronomy. With support from Manhattan University, she was able to pursue her passion and launch her career in astronomy with NASA.
In conclusion, Laysa Peixoto’s insights provide a glimpse into the advancements made in the search for extraterrestrial life. Her belief in the possibility of finding intelligent life, the importance of representation in science, and her own contributions to space research highlight the ongoing efforts to uncover the mysteries of the universe. With each new discovery, we come closer to understanding our place in the cosmos and the potential for life beyond Earth.
