New theory emerges about alien ‘forms’

Aliens may have forms humans could never imagine, according to a shocking new theory.

Eric Schwitzgebel of the University of California and Jeremy Pober of the University of Lisbon explain their theory in a working paper in which they focus on an idea called “substrate flexibility.”

In short, substrate flexibility means that although humans have consciousness, it does not mean that consciousness extending beyond Earth will consist of the same carbon-based life as humans.

They theorize that instead of humans being made of flesh and blood, space beings may be made of completely different physical materials.

The theory is in direct contrast to the “humanoid” aliens depicted in movies and books.

“Given that functionally complex, behaviorally complex entities have or will arise many times throughout the observable universe, in different substrates, we argue that it would be a violation of the Copernican principle of mediocrity to suggest that among these diverse entities, only we, or only a small fraction of us and others sharing our substrate, are conscious,” they write in the paper.

The alien theory comes amid another study that says GJ 3378b, a “super-Earth” exoplanet discovered in 2024, may be more suited to supporting alien life than researchers first thought.

The planet is in the middle of the “habitable zone” in space because it emits 90% less radiation than the Sun, which means that even liquid water can be found on its surface.

Although the exoplanet was initially thought to be five times the size of Earth, new research has shown that it is actually only 2.3 times the size; so atmospheric pressure, which they initially predicted would “crush” any life form, is not such a significant factor.

Astronomer and study author Paul Robertson called the discovery that the planet was closer than first thought “exciting” and added: “25 light-years sounds like a long way, but the Milky Way is about 100,000 light-years across, so it’s our next door neighbor in that respect.”

Meanwhile, Gogod James, co-author of the study published last month in The Astrophysical Journal, added that the discovery means there is reason for further research, explaining: “If a planet in the habitable zone has a suitable atmosphere, we can justify further research looking for biosignatures, liquid water or other signs of life.”