Back in 2015, a team of researchers demonstrated that giant elliptical galaxies could host approximately 100 planets. The study showed that in the giant elliptical galaxies, there are not as many supernova rates as one can find in the Milky Way. In addition to this, there are more stars around whom planets can orbit. These two criteria might determine the perfect setting for more technological civilizations to evolve.
However, this research was recently argued by Daniel Whitmire, an astrophysicist working at the University of Arkansas. He is skeptical regarding the possibility of lethal doses of radiation to determine a habitable environment in the massive elliptical galaxies. He stated that the model used in the 2015 research was a violation of the Principle of Mediocrity.
The theory states that the adaptability rate of a species that is moved from its local universe would be 99%. However, the Earth is not situated in an elliptical galaxy and therefore, this assumption creates in Whitmire’s view a statistical paradox.
The scientist believes that giant elliptical galaxies are inhospitable for life
Whitmire has conducted research to demonstrate how compact the ancestors of the elliptical galaxies were. Therefore, that automatically implied that the elliptical galaxies are prone to form a large number of gaseous planets. Therefore, this particular type of world is neither a hospitable environment for the forms of life nor likely to develop a habitable environment while orbiting a solar system.
The researcher underlines that the most suitable galaxy to develop forms of life is represented by the massive spiral galaxies, exactly like Milky Way. This type of universe is the most prolific hotspot of living and technological species in the outer space.
Additionally, Whitmire notes that for another technological species to evolve, it will take 4.5 billion years and the environment it needs features a solar-type star. Whitmire conducted his research by stating that human-like aliens exist only where there are hospitable living conditions, not in giant elliptical galaxies.
