36. What is the main goal of SETI? A) Search for he origin of the Universe B) Search for extremophiles C) Search for Jovian moons such as Europa or Ganymede D) Search for intelligent extraterrestrial life forms E) Search for planets identical to Earth
The main goal of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is to search for intelligent extraterrestrial life forms. To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options provided and eliminate the incorrect ones.
Option A: Search for the origin of the Universe. This goal is more closely related to the field of astrophysics, specifically studying the Big Bang theory and cosmic evolution, rather than the main focus of SETI.
Option B: Search for extremophiles. This goal pertains to the study of organisms that can survive in extreme conditions, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or acidic environments. While extremophiles can provide insights into the possibilities of life beyond Earth, it is not the primary objective of SETI.
Option C: Search for Jovian moons such as Europa or Ganymede. While these moons might be of interest in the search for potential extraterrestrial life, such as subsurface oceans on Europa, it does not encompass the broad mission of SETI, which is to seek out intelligent life beyond our planet.
Option D: Search for intelligent extraterrestrial life forms. This option aligns with the declared primary goal of SETI. The organization searches for evidence of radio or other signals that could indicate the presence of advanced civilizations in the universe.
Option E: Search for planets identical to Earth. This objective is more aligned with the field of exoplanet research, focusing on finding Earth-like planets in habitable zones. While it is relevant to consider the conditions necessary for supporting life, SETI is primarily concentrated on detecting signals from intelligent extraterrestrial life, regardless of the planet's similarity to Earth.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) Search for intelligent extraterrestrial life forms.