Have aliens visited earth?

[w_alloy]

With the barrier of the speed of light, it is extremely unlikely (effectively impossible) we have been visited.

I think there is a chance that this barrier can be broken with space travel, but it is very unlikely (almost impossible) that this is the case. I think this is the key mistake most of the 26% who voted yes on Q2 are making, because if you think the barrier cant be broken I cant see how any logical person could say its remotely likely we've been visited.

[UncleRemus]

To everyone who hasn't seen Cosmos,

it's a brilliant mini series from Carl Sagan done 25 some odd years ago. I recommend seeing all 13 episodes, but there is one in particular, "Encyclopedia Galactica" I believe, that deals with this subject. Even today, it's extremely informative and a great watch. This episode even goes into the probability theories.

Check it out,
Ross

[TimM]

[ QUOTE ]
To everyone who hasn't seen Cosmos,

it's a brilliant mini series from Carl Sagan done 25 some odd years ago. I recommend seeing all 13 episodes, but there is one in particular, "Encyclopedia Galactica" I believe, that deals with this subject. Even today, it's extremely informative and a great watch. This episode even goes into the probability theories.

Check it out,
Ross

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I loved these shows when I was a kid.

The key variable in that probability, the assumption that makes all the difference, was "how long would a civilization last after it developed the capacity to destroy itself?"

[The Truth]

[ QUOTE ]
With the barrier of the speed of light, it is extremely unlikely (effectively impossible) we have been visited.

I think there is a chance that this barrier can be broken with space travel, but it is very unlikely (almost impossible) that this is the case. I think this is the key mistake most of the 26% who voted yes on Q2 are making, because if you think the barrier cant be broken I cant see how any logical person could say its remotely likely we've been visited.

[/ QUOTE ]

Until we have a greater understanding of these topics, human speculation on light travel is just silly.

[The Truth]

I think it is fairly silly to argue about which planets are inhabitable by intelligent life, the mechanisms of evolution would suggests that many plants that would seem uninhabitable to us, would simply develop life forms that are able to survive in the extreme conditions.

Once again, I don't think we have the knowledge available to us to speculate on the extent to which life can mutate and develop under conditions outside of our atmosphere.

[The Truth]

The scientific and intellectual capability of our society is growing exponentially. I am not sure if this is directly related to size of world population, or speed of communication.... It could be related to a number of factors in conjunction. Either way, our scientific growth seems to be gaining momentum not losing momentum, and it is logical to conclude that we will continue to develop at this ever increasing exponential rate forever, barring mass death or extincition.

That said, I expect to be able to speculate intelligently on not just weather life exists on other planets, but instead on the characteristics and mechanisms of the development of life on other planets in my lifetime.

This should coincide with a more in depth understanding of space-time and light travel.

blake

[tonypaladino]

[ QUOTE ]
With the barrier of the speed of light, it is extremely unlikely (effectively impossible) we have been visited.

I think there is a chance that this barrier can be broken with space travel, but it is very unlikely (almost impossible) that this is the case. I think this is the key mistake most of the 26% who voted yes on Q2 are making, because if you think the barrier cant be broken I cant see how any logical person could say its remotely likely we've been visited.

[/ QUOTE ]

Who is to say the speed of light must be exeeded? For all we know, in the event that there is life on another planet, they might have a lifespan of several hundred thousand years. Crazy, yes, but so is any of this talk.

[tonypaladino]

Just an FYI-
The pentagon does have detailed plans on what the initial response would be if aliens ever land on US soil. It was in an issue of Discover or Scientific American a while back.

Basically, if some sort of ship touches down the immediate area is evacuated. Juristicion goes to the FBI and the Nuclear Incident Response Team. Any beings on the ship are immediatly taken into custody by the FBI, and the NIR Team takes possesion of the spacecraft.

[imported_anacardo]

[ QUOTE ]
Just an FYI-
The pentagon does have detailed plans on what the initial response would be if aliens ever land on US soil. It was in an issue of Discover or Scientific American a while back.

Basically, if some sort of ship touches down the immediate area is evacuated. Juristicion goes to the FBI and the Nuclear Incident Response Team. Any beings on the ship are immediatly taken into custody by the FBI, and the NIR Team takes possesion of the spacecraft.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, our hubris is so adorable.

[Morrek]

[ QUOTE ]
Just an FYI-
The pentagon does have detailed plans on what the initial response would be if aliens ever land on US soil. It was in an issue of Discover or Scientific American a while back.

Basically, if some sort of ship touches down the immediate area is evacuated. Juristicion goes to the FBI and the Nuclear Incident Response Team. Any beings on the ship are immediatly taken into custody by the FBI, and the NIR Team takes possesion of the spacecraft.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's very interesting...