Humans have always sought to answer the question: What is our place in the universe? 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. Earth’s shift from the literal center of the universe to somewhere off to the side is taken to mean by some scientists that there is nothing special about our planet in general, that we occupy a completely mediocre place in the cosmos Following that line of reasoning, if Earth is common then Earth-like planets and possibly complex life would also be common. Other scientists go against the Copernican principle and argue that Earth-like planets are very rare. However, with the increasing number and variety of exo-solar systems that are being discovered, it becomes hard to believe that we would 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 from the Kepler Telescope, as well as books written by astronomers, astrophysicists, and other scientists. I will argue that Earth is neither average nor rare. In addition, I will incorporate mathematical concepts to better understand what it means to be average. To understand life’s place in the universe, I will also discuss the origin of the universe and life on Earth. Analyzing the bio-philic propensity of our universe and our planet will ultimately inform a strategy for searching for life elsewhere.
