"We are closer than ever to finding life outside of Earth," exclaimed Laysa Peixoto, a Brazilian astronaut, during her panel appearance at the CCXP23 Unlock event. Peixoto, who works at NASA's L'SPACE Academy, shared her experiences and scientific findings, emphasizing the inevitability of discovering extraterrestrial life.
At just 19 years old, Peixoto made history by becoming the first Brazilian to command an aircraft for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Currently, she develops space exploration technologies at NASA's academy and underwent rigorous training to become the first Brazilian woman to venture into space.
Peixoto firmly believes in the existence of intelligent life in the vast universe. She explained, "Scientifically speaking, we are getting closer to finding all kinds of life, even those that we have not yet identified." Contrary to popular science fiction portrayals of intelligent aliens, she emphasized the presence of various forms of life in space.
The discovery of water, a crucial component for life, on several planets has been a significant breakthrough. Peixoto expressed her hope for future expeditions to Mars, where she believes we may find evidence of life.
Drawing comparisons to the planet Dune from science fiction, Peixoto highlighted the awe-inspiring diversity of planets with distinct characteristics. She enthused, "There is a great possibility of planets completely covered by water." Such discoveries ignite her enthusiasm for exploration and scientific research.
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 groundbreaking research on black holes. Peixoto emphasizes the importance of representation, particularly for women, in fields like astronomy and astrophysics that have historically been dominated by men. She advocates for better representation of women scientists in cinema and TV to inspire future generations.
Furthermore, Peixoto believes in the significance of programs and projects that shed light on the contributions of women who have made remarkable strides in the field of science. She emphasizes the need for children and teenagers to see successful women scientists as relatable role models, stating, "It's important for a child or teenager to see that someone like them has reached great heights," adding that many women scientists have had their stories erased from history.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peixoto became involved in a space-related research project. She mastered various software tools to analyze different aspects of astronomy, contributing to the discovery of a new asteroid at the young age of 18 while studying physics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Peixoto's involvement in The International Astronomical Search Collaboration program, in collaboration with NASA, led to the identification of an asteroid that was subsequently named LPS0003, with her initials on it.
Peixoto clarifies that astronomers typically put their initials when analyzing a set of images to identify celestial bodies, with the definitive name later chosen. It took her eight months to complete the analysis, as the process is meticulous and time-consuming. Large telescopes on Earth provide the necessary images for thorough analysis, and some analysis programs are accessible to individuals interested in participating in space picture analysis from the comfort of their own homes.
The threat posed by celestial bodies, such as asteroids, is a recurring theme in science fiction works like the recent Netflix film "Don't Look Up." Peixoto acknowledges that although movies tend to exaggerate the danger, there is always a potential risk of an asteroid colliding with Earth. As part of her research involvement with NASA, Peixoto's focus on asteroid studies allows her to closely monitor these celestial bodies as they pass through our solar system.
Peixoto's journey into NASA through her asteroid research showcases the opportunities available to aspiring scientists. Despite studying physics at UFMG, she received support from Manhattan University that enabled her to join the prestigious U.S. government agency and pursue a career in astronomy.
With passionate individuals like Laysa Peixoto at the forefront of scientific exploration and research, the discovery of life beyond Earth seems more attainable than ever before. The future holds endless possibilities, and the search for extraterrestrial life continues to captivate and inspire scientists and enthusiasts alike.