Alien beer

Normally, I write about beer located on this planet. Much nicer when it comes to availability. In February, however, something occurred that is beer-related, yet located 39 light-years away from Earth. Astronomers from the University of Liège discovered a solar system with no fewer than seven planets that are roughly the same size as Earth. And they are all located in a zone around their star that makes it possible for life to have developed. The name of this solar system is TRAPPIST-1, a direct reference to Belgian specialty beer.

The name that the beer-loving scientists from the University of Liège gave to the system is derived from the telescope with which the system was detected: the TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope.
This raises the idea that, in the event life is discovered on one of the planets, these extraterrestrial beings should be called ‘Trappists’. In doing so, the name of this monastic order from 1098 is linked to the most groundbreaking scientific discovery of the 21st century.

But… it goes even further. The scientists have announced that they want to name the seven planets in the system after individual Trappist abbeys. So, will we soon hear: ‘Life has been discovered on Orval’? Dreaming of extraterrestrial life, I think of the first contact, when we have to explain where the name we gave to the aliens comes from. How wonderful it would be if we could pour them a fine Belgian Trappist beer while doing so. And at the same time, the carnival song ‘There is no beer in heaven, that’s why we drink it here’ could be definitively taken off the table. Unfortunately, it must first be proven whether there is demonstrable life on one of the planets. But with my romantic spirit, I pour myself a fine Westmalle Tripel. And I toast to the stars: To beer and to science.

Ivo Thijssen
Beer sommelier

Ivo is an international beer sommelier, entertainer, and hospitality expert. He has an immense passion for beer, the hospitality industry, and hospitality. Ivo will write a monthly column for Horeca Groningen.