American researchers analyzed the potential for life on planets near the Solar System and concluded that intelligent beings are most likely absent there, according to infohub.kz.
As SciTechDaily reports, experts from Northern Arizona University studied planetary systems close to ours. They calculated the amount of energy the planets receive through photosynthesis and compared these data with Earth's evolutionary history.
The result was disappointing for supporters of imminent contact: even exoplanets that are significantly older than ours may still remain at the stage of microorganisms due to insufficient light energy.
According to astrobiologists' estimates, of the known neighboring worlds, only two — GJ 1061c and K2-3d — could theoretically surpass Earth in the level of development of biological species. Another three planets may be at a stage comparable to the Mesozoic era.
The authors note: if life on exoplanets develops according to Earth's laws, then most nearby systems are inhabited exclusively by bacteria. This significantly reduces the likelihood of humanity soon encountering highly advanced alien civilizations in the vicinity of our system.