Long before modern astronomy, humans looked to the stars and were absolutely astounded by what they saw. Even by the most ancient reckoning, the night sky offered enough to inspire awe and wonder, make us feel insignificant, fire our imaginations, and foster hope and a sense of connection. Yet, for as long as humans have surveyed the heavens, they have seen no indication that life as we know it exists elsewhere - what has come to be known as the "Great Silence."

For many, the disparity between the assumed prevalence of life in the Universe and the lack of evidence for it raises a troubling incongruity often erroneously referred to as " Fermi's Paradox " (in truth, it was neither Fermi's nor a Paradox ). It seems like a valid question when you consider the facts.…