Ouamuamua (A/2017U1), Panspermia, and Intelligent Life in the Universe

Abstract

We examine a range of arguments relating to the existence of extraterrestrial life and the possible distribution of intelligent life in the galaxy. It has recently been reported that the object (Ouamuamua (A/2017U1)) that transited the solar system in a hyperbolic orbit exhibits certain features that cannot be readily explained on the basis of it being a naturally-occurring comet or asteroid. The interesting conjecture by Bialy and Loeb that Ouamuamua (A/2017U1) could be an artificial construct of an alien civilization is re-examined. The possibility that Ouamuamua may be a dark cometary body, in which unobserved gaseous emissions may have led to departures from a Keplerian orbit, remains a more conservative alternative possibility. We discuss the implications of the discovery of light sails or similar artifacts, as proposed by Bialy and Loeb, in relation to the validity of galaxy-wide panspermia and the prevalence of life throughout the universe.