"We are closer to finding life" outside Earth, says Brazilian astronaut Laysa Peixoto. She recently shared her experiences and scientific findings during the CCXP23 pre-event, where she discussed her work at NASA's L'SPACE Academy.
At just 19 years old, Laysa Peixoto made history as the first Brazilian to command an aircraft from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Currently, she works at NASA's academy, where she focuses on developing space exploration technologies. Inspired by her love for "Star Trek," she is driven by the belief that finding intelligent life in the universe is not a question of if, but when.
During her panel appearance at CCXP23 Unlock, an exclusive invite-only edition of Comic Con Experience, Peixoto emphasized that we are getting closer to finding various forms of life, including ones that we have not yet been able to identify. She explained that while science fiction often depicts intelligent extraterrestrial life, there are likely to be numerous forms of life in space that differ from what we imagine.
Water, essential for life as we know it, has been found on many planets within our own solar system. Peixoto expressed her hopes for the next expeditions, particularly to Mars, in the search for signs of life.
Drawing a comparison to the planet Dune, Peixoto highlighted the vast diversity of planets with different characteristics. She underscored the possibility of planets completely covered by water, emphasizing the incredible variety that could exist beyond our own world.
Peixoto's journey into astronomy and geophysics began in 2020 when she attended a class taught by Andrea Ghez, the Nobel laureate in physics for her research on black holes. Inspired by Ghez's story, Peixoto recognized her own potential in the field and realized the need for increased representation of women in astronomy and astrophysics.
Peixoto believes that it is essential to change the representation of scientists in cinema and TV, particularly in science fiction. She advocates for the inclusion of more female scientists and explorers in these narratives to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Additionally, Peixoto emphasizes the importance of programs and projects that highlight the stories of women who have made significant contributions to science, as many of their achievements have been overlooked or forgotten.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peixoto immersed herself in space-related research projects. She learned to use various software programs for analyzing different aspects of astronomy. At the age of 18, Peixoto discovered a new asteroid in space while studying physics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Through her involvement with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration program, which searches for celestial bodies for NASA, she helped identify and name an asteroid as LPS0003.
Peixoto explains that analyzing celestial bodies involves meticulously studying images captured by large telescopes. This process requires extensive analysis and identification, often taking months to complete. While astronomers typically use specialized analysis programs, it is now possible for anyone with a computer to contribute to space picture analysis from home.
In popular culture, the threat of asteroids impacting Earth is frequently depicted in works of science fiction. Peixoto acknowledges that while these movies may be dramatic, there is always a real possibility of an asteroid colliding with our planet. She emphasizes the importance of tracking and monitoring these celestial bodies as they pass through our solar system to mitigate potential risks.
Peixoto's journey into NASA began with her involvement in asteroid research. Although she was studying physics at UFMG, she joined the NASA program with the support of Manhattan University and began her career in astronomy.
As Peixoto continues to explore the depths of space, she remains dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial life and inspiring others to pursue scientific discovery. With her determination and passion, she believes that the discovery of life beyond Earth is inevitable, and it is only a matter of time before we make groundbreaking discoveries that will reshape our understanding of the universe.