Scientists are divided about whether messages should be sent into deep space to tell aliens that we’re here. SETI supports the idea, while Stephen Hawking, an eminent astrophysicist, and others warn of the dangers for humankind. Would it harm our existence if intelligent extraterrestrials were to receive our messages, asking them for their response. The annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Jose, California was attended by SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute). They stated that now is the right time to try and contact intelligent life from distant star systems. SETI claims that we have been spying on people for many decades, but have yet to receive any evidence of advanced life or other forms of life. At the AAAS meeting, Dr. Seth Shostak (SETI Institute director) stated that it was time to intensify our search. Dr. Shostak said: “Some of the institute’s interested in Active Seti, not just listening, but broadcasting something, to some nearby stars because maybe you get some chance that you wake someone up, you’ll get an answer.” This discredits the argument that it is better for us to keep silent because aliens could come and destroy, enslave or experiment on us or use us as pets or toys. In a BBC interview, Dr. Shostak stated that active Seti is dangerous and that many people oppose it. This is like shouting in a jungle. It is like shouting in the jungle. You wouldn’t want it on your tombstone if you incite aliens to destroy the planet. We have been telling them many times that we’ve been here since . These messages aren’t very interesting, but they were broadcast on early TV, radio and radar during the Second World War. All that was left of the Earth is now lost.” Imagine if an advanced, superintelligent alien civilization responded. We would be totally at their mercy. These talks are meaningless if, Dr. Shostak says, we’ve been communicating messages for many decades. These talks aren’t suggesting anything novel. There is serious concern over the wisdom of sending out messages into deep space. This was the view of David Brin, an American scientist and award-winning writer of science fiction. Brin said: “Historians can tell you that the first contact between industrial civilizations, and indigenous peoples does not work.” Pro-message persons have tried to railroad the public into sending messages without any discussion about the potential cultural consequences. Although Mr. Brin thinks we will never receive a reply, the risk of triggering catastrophic events is still too great. Brin said, “The arrogance to shout into the cosmos with no proper risk assessment is beyond belief.” This course would place our grandchildren at great risk.” Traditional SETI to Active SETI Traditional SETI is what the Institute does for many decades. It listens for flash pulses and radio signals. Dr. Shostak explained that active SETI is deliberately communicating messages to the Universe to let it know we’re here. In the past, we have transmitted messages. 1974, One was sent from Puerto Rico’s Arecibo radio observatory. Voyager probes also contained outgoing messages. Stephen Hawking points out history Prof. Stephen Hawking is a cosmologist, theoretical physicist and author who fears that aliens may be smarter and more advanced than us and invite them to visit. Professor Hawking recalled the fate of the American Indians after Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in one of his episodes on “Into the Universe”. He said, “It didn’t work out very well for Native Americans.” To be able understand and visit our planet, any alien civilization would need to have several hundred years more technologically advanced than us. Do we benefit from a more sophisticated civilization? Let’s take a look at how we interact with all other life forms on Earth. Other life forms are eaten, and if necessary, they are exterminated. We also hunt them, keep them at zoos, or have them as pets. Many of these species have been driven to extinction. Video: Prof. Hawking talks about aliens
