PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 . All of my https://pos.sissa.it/ life as we know it have fallen flat. life as we don’t know it ∗† [email protected] Speaker. This work supported by PRO-ARC I suggest that manyevolution deep of connections life in between the astrophysical universecally processes are over its beginning and history to the and be so emergence revealed. toosources and The have has the universe had conditions has and for changed continues life. dramati- to TheThe have multi-frequency first significant nature effects potentially of on cosmic habitable the exoplanets habitabilityshed will of light planetary be surfaces. on characterized soon thecomplex and prospects life. these for observations Single-celled will creatures the mightconditions. discovery be of However, inevitable multicellular on extrasolar life some may life. planetsvironments not under or develop a Most at catastrophe. wide all stars Complex range in life likely of of many probably years, cases, do requires like due not hospitable we to conditions have host extreme enjoyed lasting en- hereThe billions on story Earth. of lifethe on chemical Earth composition is of the one atmosphereopened of and the intense the way oceans. for biosphere animals. Niches productionEarth for that, This was oxygen-consuming may punctuated for life not by example, be at changed anplaced least on easily 5 life crossed by major threshold. the mass geological and Evolution extinctionsmembers extraterrestrial of and of environment the life and many natural surviving on minor selection species ones. have into honed intelligence beings The is well not adapted stresses at to their all environments. antablishing inevitable However, a high outcome technological of civilization, this did process. notyears. develop ’Big in Even brains’, the then, those oceans big capable of brains oftions Earth, do es- on despite not every billions necessarily planet of translate will into eventually end. ultimateand success. For a life Habitable technological originating condi- on civilization a isyears, planet needed only to now succeed, to is intelligence protect life the onexample, Earth planet’s asteroid capable habitability. impact of avoidance developing After and protection contagious 4.5of against illness billion mass prevention. science, extinction Without any by, the for planetary development civilizationWhile we is may doomed not to expect treadfind to a water be planet until communicating with the complex with life, nextets extraterrestrials I mass will any am begin extinction. time optimistic to soon that become soon or characterized.between the even In topics large to of these subset modern brief of astrophysics comments, uninhabitable and I life, plan- attempts summarize especially to some so-called characterize connections † ∗ Copyright owned by the author(s) under the terms of the Creative Commons c Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Frontier Research in Astrophysics - III (FRAPWS2018) 28 May - 2 June 2018 Mondello (Palermo), Italy From Big-Bang to Big Brains Paul A. Mason New Mexico State University, MSC 3DA,Picture Las Rocks Cruces, Observatory NM, and 88003, Astrobiology USA Research1025 Center, S. Solano Dr., Suite D.,E-mail: Las Cruces, NM, 88001, USA PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason also illustrates 1 , The Millennium Simulation predicts a piece of 1 1 The Millennium Simulation of the large scale structure of the universe. Credit: The Virgo consor- The universe is a violent and dangerous place. Mason and Biermann [2] suggest that the The universe is old but not infinitely so. Now, we can say with some certainty that life was The development of the large scale structure of the universe is modeled as random fluctuations densest regions of galaxyconditions clusters from remain AGN uninhabited activity, galaxy by mergers, complex as life well as as high the star result formation, of gamma-ray extreme burst, Figure 1: tium, German Astrophysical Virtual Observatory the large scale structure at modernat times. This nexus network points connects the of richuniverse, a dense the clusters vast center of web of galaxies to thepotential Virgo the of Supercluster medium the is local sized the clusters of galaxy "greatlike galaxies. attractor" clusters the The dominating through cosmic Local the web Group arteries. ultimately gravitational and stretches out out In to to the small the clusters real lower density regions of the cosmos. Figure not possible anywhere in the universe forconnection a between significant cosmology, fraction astrophysics, of and itsclearly life. history. enabled In When fact, life considering there in is the the a processes universe,the deep especially that sciences to must have be the employed. development of I big briefly brains, examine a all few the results tools here. of1. all The Emergence of Structure visible in maps of the Cosmic Microwaveature Background and Radiation density [1]. allowed These fluctuations concentrations inmatter of temper- stretching dark across matter the to universe. form, In grow, Figure and become a network of Big-Bang to Big Brains the large scale distribution of life in the universe [2]. PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason 2 Simple molecules may develop into organic molecules in follow the water. The periodic table of the origin of the elements. The elements originate from a variety of sources, The path from elementary particles through Big-Bang nucleosynthesis to the formation of Figure 2: see legend, and theCredit: time Jennifer scale Johnson for their productions varies significantly depending of the type of source. suitable environments, from molecular cloudsof to life is protoplanetary the disks. process ofare Critical planet key to formation to and the the details formation emergence concerning oflikely a the potentially do retention habitable and not planet. delivery have of Stars enough, water forming orets early the need in right to the kind, life form of of with a elements.Even significant galaxy radioactive quantities As elements of far iron, as benefit silicates, we complexgeologic know, carbon, life life lifetime nitrogen, because sustaining of oxygen, plan- radioactivity a and maintains planet. soloose and on. A the prolongs planet thermal the with gradient significantlycarbon-silicate less currently cycle. core driving radioactivity plate than tectonics Earth which would is vital for the life-sustaining galaxies, stars, simple molecules, andThe their first incorporation stars into planets in isdid the a however universe long fuse did and the not complex firsttrobiology, offer one. elements namely the for to first life. habitable The environments modern around quest them. for life They follows the mantra of as- Big-Bang to Big Brains and supernova rates. Low density regionsuninhabited. containing This low concept metallicity is dwarf generalized galaxies as are the also Super-Galactic likely Habitable Zone [2]. 2. The Elements for Life PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason 3 . Supernovae going off in the disk of the Milky Way 3 , that billions of years are required to build up sufficient quantities of life 2 . Stars that formed later in the history of the Galaxy, like the Sun, have more 2 . While the heliosphere stops Galactic cosmic-rays from impacting Earth’s atmosphere, 3 Planets within the disks of spiral galaxies have less exposure to environmental hazards; es- The emergence of life awaited the development of habitable environments. Life famously Supernovae are responsible for the distribution of the elements formed by stars during the Several different processes contribute to the enhancement of heavy element abundances in the pecially intense particle fluxes andsuggest (low that metallicity) the gamma-ray Galactic bursts. magnetic Masonthe disk disk and wind provides Biermann produced a [2] magnetic by protection the akinaccelerated steady to by the occurrence heliosphere local of of magnetic supernovae the fields in Sun. withinin Galactic supernova Figure cosmic-rays remnants are [3,4], like the Crab Nebula shown requires energy, water, and nutrients present in sufficient quantities to allow efficient chemical forge some of the heaviest nucleievolution. and Disk provide a gravity slowly means enhances for elemental the distribution concentration of in the the products disk. of stellar the Galactic magnetic field deflects allfaces but the not highest in energy the extragalactic thin particles.disk disk Planetary of sur- provides a Earth. spiral galaxy Safemost do distance Galactic not high from benefit energy the from threats. the Galactic protection center that provides the additional Milky protection Way 3. from Habitats for Life supporting elements. One key to lifein is the the disks concentration of of life’s spiral elements, galaxies. in Supernovae suitable in proportions, galactic disks2.1 are central A to Central this Role process. for Supernovae stellar lifetime. The supernova rateformation is rates related likely to the stressfluxes, rate potentially and and habitable process gamma-ray planets of burst star duesupernova exposure. formation. remnant to High is high A star shown energy Hubble in radiation, Space Figure particle Telescope image of the Crab Nebula elements to build suitable planets. One canThe see time that the scales elements for originate from element aearly production variety since differ of sources. it significantly. originates For mainly example,from from oxygen low short may mass lived be star high built evolution. mass up for stars, Low those while mass stars most stars to of are become theby very dying carbon plentiful, wind giants, comes ejection. but releasing billions carbon So, and of earlybe nitrogen years in large into are the the compared needed chemical interstellar to evolution medium today. O/Cdwarf, which, would only These be if low large, it mass explodes, while suppliesiron. late, stars a C/O critical In will element would particular, lock for planets building up with Earth-liketectonics. elements planets, iron/nickel namely in cores On and the Earth, silicate form radioactive hydratedcore of decay mantels to a of can remain white maintain long-lived hot. plate species likeother These hand, Th elements a and require planet U neutron formed have staris out allowed mergers, clear of Earth’s likely an from very excess Figure rare of events. Th and On U the might significantly compromise life. It universe. These include cosmic-rayand spallation, compact star normal mergers. stellar evolution, Theshown in origin supernovae of Figure explosions, individual elements is summarized in the periodic table Big-Bang to Big Brains PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason , of the general results from hundreds of years 4 4 The Crab Nebula supernova remnant Credit: NASA/HST Figure 3: ALMA provided the confirmation, see Figure reactions, a key to organic chemistry andusually metabolism. called The the existence habitable of a zone,for region was surrounding which introduced a liquid by star, water Strughold on [5],planet an is to Earth-like life’s define prerequisite. planet’s a A surface potentially range is habitablenever of planet possible. have might distances water lose The its in water, formation the like of first Marsenvironments and a place, are Venus, or habitable critical even and have the too first much results water. are The here study or of on planetary the formation horizon. of planetary formation theory. Now wethe must effects consider that of the its planetary hostactivity environment must and star(s)’ survive thus development. they Low havefluxes mass habitable [6]. stars, zones On M-types, subject the other to havefar hand, bursts prolonged shorter. stars of magnetic If with XUV complex only radiation life alife generally bit and needs cannot more high billions mass be particle of than supported years the bySolar to Sun type main develop have as lifetimes stars sequence on that and stars Earth, are lower thatfor then mass complex are complex K-types life. about both Because 20% have of extended more the lifetimes massive dangers and in that the activity the central levels Sun. regions suitable of galaxies and low metallicities in Big-Bang to Big Brains PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason 5 A Planetary System in Formation - HL Tauri. The gaps in the disk are due to planets forming at The surface of a habitable zone planet provides the starting point for life to flourish. However, many questions remain open. What makeszone? a What planet could suitable beyond render mere aphrased presence habitable in as: planet the uninhabitable? habitable "How This much isable?" can a What question an type that otherwise of might suitable be starlife planet better supports possible? withstand the Can before most life habitable becoming beably planets? supported uninhabit- host in Within habitable a which planets. binary galaxies stara Mason is system? moderately et complex To close this al. later binary [7,8] question: will,the suggest binaries in habitability that prob- some of tidal cases, some interaction reduce circumbinarygest between harmful which planets. the stellar stars stars Future activity in in thereby grand thetechnological enhancing surveys civilization Milky of guided Way big by are brains to theory the comprehend will most it sug- likely all. to harbor complex life or perhaps even a the outskirts, the galactic habitableintroduced. zone [6] and super-galactic habitable zone [2] concepts were Figure 4: those distances and their orbitalArray resonances. Credit: ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Big-Bang to Big Brains PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason 6 The universe becomes habitable for life in stages. Simple life became possible roughly 9 billion Knowing what circumstances promote or limit the habitability of a planet is only the begin- Life then must not only survive many mass extinctions, but it must be molded by catastrophe. ning. We also would like toformed know, how how likely likely is is it it to thatof remain a habitable cataclysms forming long planet may enough will for render be complexliving a life habitable being to and planet on evolve? once uninhabitable. A Earth wide today, variety includes Butextinctions those are then a that consider double-edged survived sword. many that On localopment the one and by side, ancestors global eliminating mass extinctions. of many extinctions species. every Mass will On compromisemay the life’s progress devel- other, at niches a open rapid up pace for afterward. the survivors and evolution What doesn’t kill life makeson it all stronger scales and as more kind of resilient. adeveloped law Predator-prey due of relationships to mutual developed evolution. this Some evolutionary ofparticular force. the skills, largest Brains brains like in forged the in agility, animal this kingdom or manner hunting are in highly specialized groups. for So, the vast majority of the many lineages 4. Big Brains Are Not Inevitable Figure 5: years ago and complex lifeSuper-Galactic Habitable emerged Zone about [2]. 5 Credit: billion Mason years and ago Biermann (2017) and then only within the moderate density, Big-Bang to Big Brains PoS(FRAPWS2018)090 Paul A. Mason 7 Astrophys. 594, A13. Gordon, R., Sharov, A.A. (Eds.), Habitability(in of series: the Astrobiology: Universe before Exploring Earth. Life ElsevierGordon), on B.V, 89-126 Earth Amsterdam (Chapter) and Beyond, eds. P.H. Rampelott, J. Seckbach & R. Life on Mars. University of New Mexico Press. Chemical Evolution". Icarus. 152 (1): 185?200. enhance habitability for circumbinary planets: KeplerL26. Binary Case Studies. Astrophys. J. Lett. 774, Niches, Int. J. Astrobiol.14, 391-400. of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2012, 279, 3027-3034. In the case of humans, our brains have tripled in size in the last few million years. This I thank Picture Rocks Observatory and Astrobiology Research Center (PRO-ARC) for funding [1] Planck Collaboration et al., 2016, Planck 2015 Results. XIII. Cosmological parameters.[2] Astron. Mason, P. A., Biermann, P. L., 2018. Astrophysical and Cosmological Constraints on Life, In: [3] Fermi, E., 1949, On the[4] origin ofFermi, the E., cosmic 1954 radiation. Galactic Phys. magnetic Rev. 75,[5] fields 1169-1174. andStrughold, the Hubertus, origin 1953, of The cosmic Green radiation. and Astrophys. Red J. Planet: 119, 1. A Physiological[6] Study ofGonzalez, the Guillermo; Possibility Brownlee, of Donald; Ward, Peter, 2001, "The Galactic Habitable Zone[7] I. Galactic Mason, P.A., Zuluaga, J.I., Clark, J.M., Cuartas-Restrepo, P.A., 2013. Rotational synchronization may [8] Mason, P.A., Zuluaga, J.I., Clark, J.M., Cuartas-Restrepo, P.A., 2015. Circumbinary Habitability [9] McNally, L., Brown, S. P., Jackson, A. L.. Cooperation and the evolution of intelligence. Proceedings dramatic increase in the abilitytime for that life rational has thought existed has onmillions Earth. taken of Dinosaurs place years, evolved in many but forms just none and one-thousandth evenastroid diversified remotely that over of ended hundreds developed the their of the reign. intelligence The or rapidof the "ascent the of means human man" to can brain, stop be driven traced the byadvances to K-T social the in growth interactions tools, and [9]. complexity agriculture, In electronics, addition,need and it to so can on, solve be are communal argued also and thatinvolved the driven societal subsequent natural by selection problems. social of big interaction The human and brains.can development the So, happen of Earth-life quickly tells tribes, under us cities, evolutionary that big-brain pressures, and development present but countries day it life’s is successful far lineages from have inevitable. notprimates The as have vast yet developed majority resulted them of in only big recently.ever brains, For reach within many this this reasons, threshold. context, life Ultimately, and on onlyfrom the most the development exoplanets next of might avoidable big not devastation. brains Predictive will scienceelsewhere, protect will from advanced save the life species, inevitable hopefully hazards here of and living likely in the unforgiving universe. of this research and Natalie Wells for discussions and manuscript review. References Big-Bang to Big Brains of present day speciessolving, on beyond obtaining Earth food do and not avoidingis being passing have food. on any copies In need other of words, theirextraordinarily for the expensive DNA. abstract and Big only are brains, thinking important needed capable thing and only of in novel what extreme we problem cases. think Humans of are as extremophiles! rational thought are