According to Stephen Hawking, humanity as a species is in danger of extinction unless we can find a new planet suitable for life.
Warning or prophecy?
During a conversation at the Oxford Union, the famous theoretical physicist said that humanity probably has no more than 1000 years before the extinction of our species begins.
At 74, Hawking has spoken several times that we are doomed and warned of threats such as nuclear war and global warming. He also said that the development of artificial intelligence could be the beginning of the end for humans.
Our only hope of avoiding these dangers, Hawking claims, is to find another habitable planet.
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“Space exploration must continue for our common future,” he said. "I don't think humanity can survive another 1000 years without escaping the Earth."
Search for other planets
Recall that in 2009 NASA launched its Kepler, whose mission is precisely this. It was designed to search for a new planet that is the size of the Earth and orbits a star similar to our Sun. In addition, such a planet should be located in the nearby region of our Galaxy. It is also called the "Goldilocks zone", or habitable zone, because in this range, the pressure and temperature are suitable for liquid water on the planet.
A chance of salvation
This year, astronomers celebrated the discovery of Proxima B, which is the same size as our planet and rotates in the habitable zone of the star Proxima Centauri B. To get to it, you need to cover a distance of 4.2 light years, which on cosmic scales is quite close. So far, Proxima B looks like our best chance of escape.
Hawking's speech ended by encouraging the students. He said they should remain curious and "gaze at the stars, not down at their feet."
Anna Pismenna