Bad science

Let us take a moment and avert our eyes in collective cultural embarrassment as Science once again acts like the drunk guy at the party talking too loud (and excitedly!) about things he doesn't understand. This morning's Washington Post has this to say about life off-Earth:

For the first time, astronomers have detected a rocky planet in another solar system that has the most basic and essential conditions needed to support extraterrestrial life.

Sigh. Okay Science, for the love of God, please, repeat after me:

We. Don't. Know. The conditions. Essential. For. Extraterrestrial. Life. Also. There. Is. No. Reason. To assume. Life. Must. Everywhere. Be. Similar. To what. We. Find. On. Earth.


That is all.