THE GOAN
PANAJI
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are."
More than two centuries after Jane Taylor penned these famous lines, they still capture one of humanity's oldest curiosities: what lies beyond the stars, and are we alone? For many, the question is as frightening as it is fascinating. The blend of fear and wonder continues to fuel humanity's fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Every year, International UFO Day, observed on July 2, reignites the oldest and perhaps most unsettling question: are we truly alone?
The big question
The question is unsettling because either answer changes everything. Discovering that we are alone would make Earth unimaginably precious, while discovering that we are not would forever alter our understanding of ourselves. While ancient civilisations worshipped celestial bodies and philosophers debated the existence of other worlds, modern science spends billions exploring the unknown. Although conclusive evidence remains elusive, popular culture has kept the fascination alive. From The X-Files and Interstellar to Bollywood's Koi... Mil Gaya, stories about life beyond Earth have continued to captivate audiences across generations.
Scientific fascination
"The concept of UFOs combines mystery, science fiction and imagination. Humans have always wondered whether we are alone in the universe. In many ways, the fundamental quest of intelligent civilisations has always revolved around three questions: Who are we? Where are we? And are we alone?" says Satish Nayak, President of the Association of Friends of Astronomy, Goa. Nayak explains that UFO stories often involve unexplained phenomena that challenge our understanding of the natural world, making them compelling subjects of fascination. "Scientific discoveries about distant planets and galaxies have encouraged people to believe in the possibility of life elsewhere. Additionally, as a small number of sightings continue to remain unexplained, the mystery lives," he adds.
Potential impact
Nayak believes the discovery of extraterrestrial life would completely change our understanding of almost everything we know today and reveal our true place in the universe. “Discovery of even simple microorganisms on another planet would prove life is not unique to Earth. The impact could lead to major advances in science, biology, astronomy, and technology,” he states. However, he raises concerns about the ways of nature, which operates on the concept of 'survival of the fittest.' “There may also be a valid threat, fear, and uncertainty, especially if the characteristics of the discovered extraterrestrial life are unknown and undecipherable,” he remarks.
Young believers
For many young space enthusiasts, the sheer scale of the universe itself is reason enough to believe. Dheeraj Reddy, a student at BITS Pilani, believes there certainly is life out there. “Mathematically, it just makes sense. There are too many stars and planets for us to be a one-off miracle,” he points out. “Whether it's intelligent aliens or just tiny microbes on a distant rock, the universe is definitely hiding some neighbours,” he adds.
Search continues
According to Nayak, the discovery of Earth-like planets in recent decades has made searching for extra-terrestrial life one of the most exciting frontiers in modern science. He notes that life's ability to survive in some of Earth's most extreme environments suggests that life elsewhere in the universe remains a distinct possibility. He also points to the work of renowned Indian astrophysicist Dr Jayant Narlikar, whose high-altitude balloon experiments detected microorganisms in Earth's stratosphere, raising intriguing questions about the possible extraterrestrial origins of life.
Nayak believes that the discovery of planets in habitable zones, coupled with advances in radio astronomy and space exploration, has strengthened scientific interest in the search for life beyond Earth. "While definitive answers may not come in our lifetime due to the enormous distances involved, I remain optimistic that humanity is closer than ever to understanding whether we are truly alone in the universe," he says.
Sceptical view
Yet, not everyone is convinced. "I love a good science fiction movie, but I do not believe in aliens. The conditions needed for life are incredibly rare, so until someone actually lands here to try some Goan fish curry, I am content believing that Earth is a one-of-a-kind, God-crafted masterpiece," says Kusumalatha, a homemaker and an avid science fiction enthusiast.
Timeless mystery
Whether one believes that we are alone or that life beyond exists, humanity's fascination with the unknown shows no signs of fading. The question that has echoed through generations remains unanswered. Yet, with every discovery, we move a little closer to understanding our place in the universe. Perhaps someday, when the mysteries of the universe begin to unravel, the wonder captured in Jane Taylor's timeless words, "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are," may take on an entirely new meaning.
