with our reach into the galaxy stretching further and deeper time might be approaching when we finally might make contact.
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Scientists in US are urged to seek contact with aliens
By Pallab Ghosh
Science correspondent, BBC News
Allen telescope array
Seti listens out for signals using its own radio telescope array at Hat Creek in California
Continue reading the main story
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Alien hunters: What if ET ever phones our home?
Why haven't we found aliens yet?
Scientists at a US conference have said it is time to try actively to contact intelligent life on other worlds.
Researchers involved in the search for extra-terrestrial life are considering what the message from Earth should be.
The call was made by the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence institute at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Jose.
But others argued that making our presence known might be dangerous.
Researchers at the Seti institute have been listening for signals from outer space for more than 30 years using radio telescope facilities in the US. So far there has been no sign of ET.
The organisation's director, Dr Seth Shostak, told attendees to the AAAS meeting that it was now time to step up the search.
"Some of us at the institute are interested in 'active Seti', not just listening but broadcasting something to some nearby stars because maybe there is some chance that if you wake somebody up you'll get a response," he told BBC News.
The concerns are obvious, but sitting in his office at the institute in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, he expresses them with characteristic, impish glee.
Game over?
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
Any society that could come here and ruin our whole day by incinerating the planet already knows we are here”
Dr Seth Shostak
Seti Institute
"A lot of people are against active Seti because it is dangerous. It is like shouting in the jungle. You don't know what is out there; you better not do it. If you incite the aliens to obliterate the planet, you wouldn't want that on your tombstone, right?"
I couldn't argue with that. But initially, I could scarcely believe I was having this conversation at a serious research institute rather than at a science fiction convention. The sci-fi feel of our talk was underlined by the toy figures of bug-eyed aliens that cheerfully decorate the office.
But Dr Shostak is a credible and popular figure and has been invited to present his arguments.
Leading astronomers, anthropologists and social scientists will gather at his institute after the AAAS meeting for a symposium to flesh out plans for a proposal for active Seti to put to the public and politicians.
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Seth Shostak on search for extra-terrestrial life. Extra footage courtesy of Ron Barnett
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Scientists in US are urged to seek contact with aliens
By Pallab Ghosh
Science correspondent, BBC News
Allen telescope array
Seti listens out for signals using its own radio telescope array at Hat Creek in California
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
Alien hunters: An array of hope
Alien hunters: What if ET ever phones our home?
Why haven't we found aliens yet?
Scientists at a US conference have said it is time to try actively to contact intelligent life on other worlds.
Researchers involved in the search for extra-terrestrial life are considering what the message from Earth should be.
The call was made by the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence institute at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Jose.
But others argued that making our presence known might be dangerous.
Researchers at the Seti institute have been listening for signals from outer space for more than 30 years using radio telescope facilities in the US. So far there has been no sign of ET.
The organisation's director, Dr Seth Shostak, told attendees to the AAAS meeting that it was now time to step up the search.
"Some of us at the institute are interested in 'active Seti', not just listening but broadcasting something to some nearby stars because maybe there is some chance that if you wake somebody up you'll get a response," he told BBC News.
The concerns are obvious, but sitting in his office at the institute in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, he expresses them with characteristic, impish glee.
Game over?
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
Any society that could come here and ruin our whole day by incinerating the planet already knows we are here”
Dr Seth Shostak
Seti Institute
"A lot of people are against active Seti because it is dangerous. It is like shouting in the jungle. You don't know what is out there; you better not do it. If you incite the aliens to obliterate the planet, you wouldn't want that on your tombstone, right?"
I couldn't argue with that. But initially, I could scarcely believe I was having this conversation at a serious research institute rather than at a science fiction convention. The sci-fi feel of our talk was underlined by the toy figures of bug-eyed aliens that cheerfully decorate the office.
But Dr Shostak is a credible and popular figure and has been invited to present his arguments.
Leading astronomers, anthropologists and social scientists will gather at his institute after the AAAS meeting for a symposium to flesh out plans for a proposal for active Seti to put to the public and politicians.
Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Seth Shostak on search for extra-terrestrial life. Extra footage courtesy of Ron Barnett