Contacting ET: Our Hopes and Fears

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In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of contact with extraterrestrial civilizations and the question of whether or not we should actively seek out contact or simply observe from our position in the universe. It also brings up the idea of the U.S. Congress re-evaluating their stance on extraterrestrial encounters, given the increasing rates of planetary detection. The conversation also mentions a report from 1960 by the Brookings Research Institute, which discusses the implications of discovering extraterrestrial life and suggests that if their intelligence is superior to ours, they may choose to have little to no contact with us. The original report can be found on the NICAP website.
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... Michael Michaud is the author of a newly published exceptional book, "Contact with Alien Civilizations – Our Hopes and Fears about Encountering Extraterrestrials" (Copernicus Books). He suggests that the “prime question” is straightforward: Should we simply be watchers and listeners from our outpost in the universe, or should we actively seek contact by sending out messages, proclaiming our presence?

...Is it time for the U.S. Congress to re-look at the ET encounter business - given the increasing rates of extra solar planetary detection? [continued]
http://space.com/news/070202_alien_contact.html
 
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On December 14, 1960, The Brookings Research Institute in Washington released a report prepared during 1960 for NASA entitled "Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs", including a section entitled "Implications of a Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life". (Commonly referred to as "the Brookings Institute report".) The report discusses effects of meeting extraterrestrial life: "It is possible that if the intelligence of these creatures were sufficiently superior to ours, they would choose to have little if any contact with us. . . " (New York Times, Dec. 15, 1960) The original site for the 219-page report and the 50-page summary is listed below. For security reasons, if the site would go down, the NICAP site also hosts the full documents, also listed below. The article in the NICAP UFO Investigator that announced the release of the report in its Dec/Jan issue is produced below. Recently added is the New York Times article transcript, [continued]
http://nicap.org/brookingsdir.htm
 
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I believe it is important to approach the idea of contacting extraterrestrial civilizations with caution and careful consideration. While the possibility of making contact with intelligent beings from other worlds is exciting, it also raises valid concerns and potential risks.

Michaud's book raises an important question about our role in the universe - should we passively observe or actively seek out contact? This is a complex question that requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving not just scientists but also ethicists, philosophers, and policymakers.

The increasing rate of extra solar planetary detection does warrant a re-evaluation of our approach to potential contact with extraterrestrial life. It is important for the U.S. Congress, and other governing bodies, to consider the potential implications of initiating contact with other civilizations. This includes not only the technological and scientific aspects, but also the ethical and cultural considerations.

Any decision to actively seek contact with extraterrestrial civilizations must be made with great care and responsibility. It is crucial that we approach this issue with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate and learn from other experts in the field. It is also important to have a clear plan in place for how we would handle communication and potential interactions with other beings.

In the end, the decision to actively seek contact with extraterrestrial civilizations should not be taken lightly. It is essential that we carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits and consider the long-term implications for humanity before making any moves towards initiating contact. As scientists, it is our responsibility to approach this topic with careful consideration and to continue to research and explore the possibilities in a responsible and ethical manner.
 

1. What is the likelihood of actually contacting extraterrestrial life?

The likelihood of contacting extraterrestrial life is difficult to determine as we do not currently have any confirmed evidence of its existence. However, with the vastness of the universe and the growing number of exoplanets being discovered, many scientists believe that it is highly probable that intelligent life exists elsewhere.

2. How would we go about contacting extraterrestrial life?

There are several methods that scientists have proposed for contacting extraterrestrial life, including sending out radio signals or messages through space probes. However, these methods are still in the early stages and it is uncertain if they would be successful in reaching and communicating with extraterrestrial beings.

3. What are the potential risks of contacting extraterrestrial life?

One potential risk of contacting extraterrestrial life is that they may not have peaceful intentions towards humanity. This concern is often referred to as the "alien invasion" scenario. Another risk is that any communication or interaction could have unforeseen consequences for our planet and society.

4. What are the benefits of contacting extraterrestrial life?

Contacting extraterrestrial life could potentially lead to significant scientific and technological advancements. It could also provide us with a better understanding of the universe and our place in it. Additionally, it could open up the possibility of interstellar communication and collaboration.

5. How can we ensure responsible and ethical communication with extraterrestrial life?

As the concept of contacting extraterrestrial life is still largely theoretical, there is currently no established protocol for how to handle communication with potential extraterrestrial beings. However, many scientists and organizations are actively discussing and developing guidelines for responsible and ethical communication in the event that we do make contact with extraterrestrial life.

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