Humans have always sought to answer the question of what is our place in the universe. This debate has recently come to include scientists from diverse disciplines. From the Earth centered universe of the Middle Ages to the Copernican heliocentric solar system, Earth has had varying degrees of importance in this cosmic play. This shift from the literal center of the universe to somewhere off to the side is taken to mean that there is nothing special about Earth in general, that we occupy a completely mediocre place in the cosmos. Following that line of reasoning, if Earth is common then Earth-like and possibly complex life would also be common. However, with the increasing number of exo-solar systems that are being discovered it becomes hard to believe that we find ourselves in a completely unremarkable place.
I believe that a new understanding of Earth’s place is needed given our access to new alien solar systems and planets. My sources include NASA’s own data and books written by leading scientists. Using these I will suggest that Earth is neither average nor rare. In addition, the incorporation of mathematical concepts will be used to better understand what it means to be average. To understand life’s place in the universe, the origin of the universe and life on Earth will be discussed. Analyzing the bio-philic propensity of our universe and our planet will ultimately inform a strategy for searching for life elsewhere.
