I'd also like to point out that the argument "we're already wasting money on X, why not Y?" is very poorly considered.
I don't want to waste MORE money. Ever.
Going to the moon, exploring the solar system, those can give us insight into geological processes that are taking place on Earth today. The possibility of spreading human settlement and industry across the nearby planets abounds. There are plenty of good reasons for our current space program that have nothing to do with SETI.
I don't pretend to know that there are not aliens. In fact, I believe there are. The chances that out of trillions and trillions of planets at least one other race of sentient beings came into existence are likely pretty high in my opinion.
However, you must take into account (1) their proximity to Earth, (2) their use of a communications device that we can detect with current technology, (3) their likelihood to spend energy on such broadcasts given resources, politics, and whatever else keeps those aliens busy, and (4) the likelihood that they directed their broadcast in such a manner that it would be aimed at Earth and come to us without any sort of interference/degradation rendering it mere nonsense.
SETI is a shot in the dark, everyone can agree on that... but the room you're shooting in is of a size beyond comprehension, and you don't have the faintest where to aim.
I support the observatory in its NEO search endeavour, but directing tax-payer money toward such a fruitless search as SETI is plain silly. There is absolutely no historic evidence that we will turn up anything.
maybe those aliens just don't want to be found...
perhaps a more prudent use of resources would be folding@home. You know, curing cancer instead of holding our head to the ground to listen for non-existent buffalo...
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... that both Obama and McCain support this measure. Is this a reflection of middle America's concerns?
... for at least keeping this ONE story under wraps until a prudent moment!
I'd also like to point out that the argument "we're already wasting money on X, why not Y?" is very poorly considered. I don't want to waste MORE money. Ever. Going to the moon, exploring the solar system, those can give us insight into geological processes that are taking place on Earth today. The possibility of spreading human settlement and industry across the nearby planets abounds. There are plenty of good reasons for our current space program that have nothing to do with SETI.
I don't pretend to know that there are not aliens. In fact, I believe there are. The chances that out of trillions and trillions of planets at least one other race of sentient beings came into existence are likely pretty high in my opinion. However, you must take into account (1) their proximity to Earth, (2) their use of a communications device that we can detect with current technology, (3) their likelihood to spend energy on such broadcasts given resources, politics, and whatever else keeps those aliens busy, and (4) the likelihood that they directed their broadcast in such a manner that it would be aimed at Earth and come to us without any sort of interference/degradation rendering it mere nonsense. SETI is a shot in the dark, everyone can agree on that... but the room you're shooting in is of a size beyond comprehension, and you don't have the faintest where to aim. I support the observatory in its NEO search endeavour, but directing tax-payer money toward such a fruitless search as SETI is plain silly. There is absolutely no historic evidence that we will turn up anything.
maybe those aliens just don't want to be found... perhaps a more prudent use of resources would be folding@home. You know, curing cancer instead of holding our head to the ground to listen for non-existent buffalo...