An article in the Washington Post today talks about scientists that have discovered evidence of life on Earth from 3.7 Billion years ago. That is 200 million years older than any previous indicators. Considering the Earth is estimated to be 4.5 Billion years old, finding life that emerged only 700 Million years later means that early life was thriving in a pretty inhospitable climate.

What does this mean for Science Fiction readers and authors. Well for one thing, considering the large number of Earth like planets out there, and if life is that tenacious and forms in such harsh environments then life among the stars is a “Cosmic imperative” as  Nobel laureate Christian de Duve put it.

The chances are, they are there. But until we understand why we haven’t encountered them yet, the search will continue. Which brings up another interesting point, I’m starting a new book that considers the Fermi Paradox and I have a group of teenagers go a colossal journey to understand the paradox and why we haven’t contacted anyone yet. I can’t give you the name, because I love it and I don’t want any other author to ‘Borrow’ it.

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/08/31/3-7-billion-year-old-fossils-may-be-the-oldest-signs-of-life-on-earth/