SETI scientists, astronomers, and others would love to send “come see us” messages into outer space in the hope that advanced aliens will pick them up. But should we? Were we not putting our lives at risk by allowing advanced beings to take over? The annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science will discuss the possibility of sending an email into space. We need to consider the ethics and policies of space exploration as we speed up the exploration of nearby planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. What could we do if there were intelligent aliens on the other side of the universe? It’s not much. Seth Shostak is a Senior Astronomer, Director of the Center for SETI Research and explains what the differences are between Active SETI and Traditional SETI. Scientists can listen in on radio signals or flash light pulses from space to observe traditional SETI experiments. Active SETI is the deliberate sending of transmissions to star systems nearby in the hopes of receiving a reply. Over the last four decades, very few attempts have been made at getting in touch with extraterrestrials. 1974, was a message sent by the Arecibo radio observatory, Puerto Rico. Other messages were also transmitted via the Voyager probes. Speakers will make arguments in favor and against increased Active SETI efforts at the AAAS meeting next Wednesday. Jill Tarter and David Black, both SETI representatives, are organizing the AAAS session. Seth Shostak, Institute Director of Center for SETI Research, David Tatel (U.S. Court of Appeals), David Grinspoon and David Brin will present. Doug Vakoch is the Director of Interstellar Messaging at SETI. Active SETI is set for February 13, 8: 00 at 8, Room 220C at San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. Imagine a peace-keeping space police force receiving our message, and deciding that human beings pose a threat to the life of all living things in the Universe. 50 Years no convincing evidence of alien technology. For fifty years scientists tried to find evidence of alien technologies using radio and optical telescopes. According to Mr. Shostak, “To-date, there has not been any credible evidence.” There has been some argument that transmitting actively is necessary, and a few messages were sent.” Mr. Shostak said: “To date, no credible evidence has been detected.” After decades of sending electromagnetic radiation into the atmosphere, we cannot just suddenly choose to live under stones. Citation: “Should we Broadcast?” Seth Shostak. SETI Institute. Video: Mr. Hawking discusses the possibility that aliens exist
