In 1938, Orson Welles narrated a radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” as a series of simulated radio bulletins of what was happening in real time as Martians arrived on our home planet. The broadcast is widely remembered for creating public panic, although to what extent is hotly debated today. Still, the incident serves as an illustration of what could happen when the first life beyond Earth is discovered. While scientists might be excited by the prospect, introducing the public, politicians and interest groups to the idea could take some time. How extraterrestrial life would change our world view is a research interest of Steven Dick, who just completed a term as the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair of Astrobiology. The chair is jointly sponsored by the NASA Astrobiology Program and the John W. Kluge Center, at the Library of Congress. Dick is a former astronomer and historian at the United States Naval Observatory, a past chief historian for NASA, and has published several books concerning the discovery of life beyond Earth. To Dick, even the discovery of microbes would be a profound shift for science. “If we found microbes, it would have an effect on science, especially biology, by universalizing biology,” he said. “We only have one case of biology on Earth. It’s all related. It’s all DNA-based. If we found an independent example on Mars or Europa, we have a chance of forming a universal biology.” - See more at: http://www.astrobio.net/news-exclusi....SvfRmpQg.dpuf
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In 1938, Orson Welles narrated a radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” as a series of simulated radio bulletins of what was happening in real time as Martians arrived on our home planet. The broadcast is widely remembered for creating public panic, although to what extent is hotly debated today. Still, the incident serves as an illustration of what could happen when the first life beyond Earth is discovered. While scientists might be excited by the prospect, introducing the public, politicians and interest groups to the idea could take some time. How extraterrestrial life would change our world view is a research interest of Steven Dick, who just completed a term as the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair of Astrobiology. The chair is jointly sponsored by the NASA Astrobiology Program and the John W. Kluge Center, at the Library of Congress. Dick is a former astronomer and historian at the United States Naval Observatory, a past chief historian for NASA, and has published several books concerning the discovery of life beyond Earth. To Dick, even the discovery of microbes would be a profound shift for science. “If we found microbes, it would have an effect on science, especially biology, by universalizing biology,” he said. “We only have one case of biology on Earth. It’s all related. It’s all DNA-based. If we found an independent example on Mars or Europa, we have a chance of forming a universal biology.” - See more at: http://www.astrobio.net/news-exclusi....SvfRmpQg.dpufOnly those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S Eliot -
Elisi, this is really interesting. I saw the most recent film 'War of the Worlds' & it really unnerved me. When you think about ET life it's portrayed as being cruel, 'all conquering', 'all powerful' etc. The film Alien was another example of that. On the other hand there was 'ET', (as in 'phone home'), "my Mother's an Alien", 'Men in Black" etc. As for Area 'whatever number' .... well, will we ever find out the truth there? My OH is convinced we are not alone in this universe."Good friends help you to find important things when you have lost them....your smile, your hope, and your courage."
(Doe Zantamata.) -
Hi Mamar. We are both convinced of the same...in fact all my friends think, logically, with something so unimaginably vast, how could we be alone? Distance prevents contact, although, being a great Trekkie, I do believe the Earth will one day small for us, and we will discover a way to warp time and space thereby taking off into the stars. We are, we humans, restless Adventurers (Sorry, iPad spelling). And we will find other worlds to live in. XOnly those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S EliotComment
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Interesting thought, Elisi. I suppose it would depend on what type of 'life' it was. In War of the Worlds' didn't the aliens die off because they had no immunity to our germs? If there were extra terrestrial microbic life 'out there' I would hope we would be vey careful about bringing it back to planet earth. I don't somehow think there are little green men - or any variation on them - but there could be life forms we've never even imagined, created by means we can't imagine, such a electrical discharges, light conditions, gravitational factors, in fact anything! I think if there are other intelligent life forms I think they would lie beyond our universe. I'm not going to lie down in a darkened room to recover from all that thinking!!
"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognise how good things really are. "
(Marianne Williamson)Comment
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I wonder if we'll ever find out in our lifetime?"Good friends help you to find important things when you have lost them....your smile, your hope, and your courage."
(Doe Zantamata.)Comment
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Possibly not Mamar, but I agree with Daisy, it could be inconceivable to us as to exactly what these alien life forms could turn out to be! For sure they won't necessarily be humanoid, and for sure they won't automatically adapt to our environment. But then again, there is Rosewell, 1947, and a lot of people are convinced the US Government are hiding an alien's corpse!Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S EliotComment
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