Aliens may be dangerous: boffins
By Tony Allen-Mills
December 17, 2007
FOR decades it has been a staple of science fiction: somewhere out in the galaxy, a highly developed alien race picks up a radio signal from Earth, and decides to eat us for lunch.
In a world plagued by war, hunger and disease, a possible attack by little green men may not rank high among most nations' concerns. Yet for a small group of scientists who are harnessing increasingly powerful technologies in a trans-galactic search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence, the prospect of catastrophe has stirred an angry debate.
Two senior scientists have resigned from an elite international study group in protest over a lack of public discussion about the possible consequences of attracting the attention of aliens by sending signals deep into space.
"We're talking about initiating communication with other civilisations, but we know nothing of their goals, capabilities or intent," warned John Billingham, a former NASA scientist who has quit an extraterrestrial study group set up by the International Academy of Astronautics.
The scientists involved are all acutely aware of the dangers of ridicule in their discussions of ET and his more sinister cousins. Yet recent advances in radio telescope technologies, and a substantial flow of private funding into ET-related projects, has transformed the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence".
Full StoryIts a bit late to worry about that now...all those signals we are sending dont just "disappear" in Space. We know for a fact they are "out there" now for all time. Should have thought of that one before we started. If Dr X's last post is anything to go by...it could already be too late.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
