Time to pack your bags and start looking for a new planet! Is the sky falling? No, but according to Stephen Hawkins, astronomer and theoretical scientist, humanity has about 1,000 more years left on this planet. Hawkins has stated recently that he believes humanity’s best chances at existence are if we proceed to develop colonies on other planets.
CNN reported that Hawkins spoke at the Oxford University and stated that despite the low chances that disaster will strike on Earth in each year, these chances to increase over time, turning into certainty that this could occur within the next 1,000 to 10,000 years. He goes on to state that by that time humans should consider re-establishing themselves out into space and stars … so if disaster does hit Earth, it would not mean the end of humanity as we know it.
After all, you never know when a nuke, gang of robots, or climate change could hit, leaving the planet with limited to zero resources for humans to continue to exist. We’re all doomed. Unless we can figure out how to get the heck off this planet and build a colony elsewhere in the galaxy.
Could this be any coincidence that space exploration seems to be increasing? As you read this, NASA is diligently looking for ‘goldilocks’ exoplanets that would be suitable to withstand humans. In fact, Elon Musk, Space X CEO has already created a Mars colony plan that is to be laid out within the next 100 years. At least humanity has a plan B.
Still, Hawkins did end his speech on a high note, stating that we should remember to look up to the stars, not down at our feet. He goes on to say that people should make sense of what they see and wonder what makes the universe exist. He encourages individuals to be ‘curious’. Hawkins also goes on to note that while life can be difficult there is always something you can succeed at. His advice is to not give up.
So, there is some bad news coming from Stephen Hawkins as of late; the good news is, it is comforting to know the theoretical scientist does hold some hope in his heart.