Astronomers on Brink of Watershed in Planet Discoveries

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/astronomy/exoplanet_watershed_020624.html ^ | 25 Jun 02 | Robert Roy Britt

[RightWhale]

"That'll be the real breakthrough, when you find things that you'd actually like to own real estate on,"

"They" will never let us own real estate anywhere. Just a bundle of rights. Only kings can own land. Citizens -- never.

As to the search for life: If life is found, then fine. The search for life is not a worthy task however, nor is discovery of life a proper goal.

[Zon]

If life is found, then fine.

That would upset some "apple carts", especially if intelligent life is found. But fear not, prime-health biologic immortality here on Earth will be achieved and that will surely disrupt the heavens' apple carts.

[RightWhale]

Space and/or Astronomy ping.

[RightWhale]

immortality here on Earth

Can't think of anything that wouldn't change.

[r9etb]

"They" will never let us own real estate anywhere. Just a bundle of rights. Only kings can own land. Citizens -- never.

There's an economic reason for this, though. Ordinary citizens will never be able to drive themselves to these planets. They'll rely instead on some entity with sufficient funds to put them on-location.

He who controls the transport, controls the land.

[Paul Atreides]

I can only hope that if there is intelligent life on other planets, our radio and television waves have not reached them. Imagine what they would think of us from seeing the likes of Carville, Begala, and both Clintons on the screen.

[RightWhale]

Although I said kings, I meant also The Corporation, Big Brother, The Federales.

[CecilRhodesGhost]

Thanks for this interesting story. How will the discovery of life-forms on other planets affect religion's influence on Earth? Will political differences on Earth reduce or increase after this discovery? Some argue that life-forms on other planets will speed the process of global government alliances on Earth, as humans realize that they are not alone. If wars are often fought over religious beliefs, will religion still influence future conflicts across borders on Earth after life is discovered on other planets?

[RightWhale]

How will the discovery of life-forms on other planets affect religion's influence on Earth?

A Catholic priest said a few years ago that it would not affect his religion. Maybe some religions would be greatly affected. Others maybe not at all.

[Conan the Librarian]

Personally I don't think we will find any form of intelligent life out there. Someone has to be first, we are here, no one else as contacted us, why couldn't we be first, Nay, even the Only intelligent life in the universe. That opens up everything for us to take. To Infinity and BEYOND!

[RightWhale]

To Infinity and BEYOND!

Today the books, tomorrow the periodicals, next week the universe.

[SandfleaCSC]

Hmmm...over a billion stars in our galaxy, over a million galaxies. I'm no gambler, but I'll take the odds that something else is out there, even if just a slug-like creature or something of even lower intelligence ...like a Democrat.

[MEGoody]

I'm curious as to whose 'apple cart' you think would be upset by the discovery of life on other planets. And what the heck is "prime health immortality"?

[Conan the Librarian]

Ahh but I typed "intelligent". Democrats could ever be considered intelligent. The odds are indeed against my theory, but, observations are in my favor. We ain't seen'm yet! And we have been looking hard.

[Sabertooth]

As to the search for life: If life is found, then fine. The search for life is not a worthy task however, nor is discovery of life a proper goal.

Well said. Discovering the secrets of the physical universe is worthy in it's own right.

That said, others on this thread have wondered what the theological implications will be if life is ever found elsewhere. I wonder what the implications will be to them if it isn't?

Hey, I ran across this, thought you might like it....

[RightWhale]

Either we are alone in the universe or we aren't. Either way someone will be struck dumb with awe.

---

Nice picture. I'll leave graphics to others for the time being.

[Cincinatus]

others on this thread have wondered what the theological implications will be if life is ever found elsewhere. I wonder what the implications will be to them if it isn't?

None, because they'll never acknowledge that it doesn't exist. They'll simply claim that we "haven't found it yet."

For proof of this assertion, talk to any SETI enthusiast.

[Sabertooth]

None, because they'll never acknowledge that it doesn't exist. They'll simply claim that we "haven't found it yet."

And that would be a fair assertion, since I couldn't disprove it.

However, one of the things I like about SETI research is that it seems to indicate that Solar Systems and Earth-like planets aren't all that plentiful. Von Daniken and Sagan acolytes have little to hang their cloaks on.

[gcruse]

 
     However, one of the things I like about SETI research is
     that it seems to indicate that Solar Systems and Earth-like
     planets aren't all that plentiful.

     And think that is a good thing??

[Sabertooth]

And think that is a good thing??

Yeah, I happen to think that the Earth is a unique and special place in the Universe. I think Life is exeptionally rare, perhaps non-existent elsewhere.

All presumptions, I know, but I like it when the hard data seems to bear my opinions out.