Posted on 11/17/2005 6:17:33 PM PST by KevinDavis
So how can you be sure that non-random data sequences from space can be from an intelligent source?
You aren't. You find it, and then start trying to determine what created the signal. Even if it doesn't turn out to be intelligent, it should be a new phenomena. Pulsars were discovered this way.
Really? You should get an excellent effective receiver area out of them.
So, if we discover a non-random data sequence in something like DNA, for instance, would we be justified in begin the search for a possible intelligent source?
Same thing happens when I watch a movie that contains computer programming. Still, us non-RadioAstronomers thought Contact was fun.
Well, if it's statistically significant, then you should begin a search for why it is there.
If it's a repeating sequence of 5 base pairs, it's probably natural, but interesting. We would know a lot more about biology if we can find out why.
If it's an ASCII version of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare, then I'd say it's intelligent.
If it's a copy of the New Testament in DNA that is clearly from before 1950? I'm going to spend a lot more time in church.
Problem is that they are not designed to look for the really narrowband signals over billions of channels that would indicate a non-natural origin. The array is way cool however. :-) (been there)
Hey! Don't misunderstand. I thought it was fun and bought the DVD as well. :-)
LOL! You and me both. :-)
There are thousands and thousands of base pairs, controlling the entire human body (to say nothing of all the other life forms.) Why isn't an intellegent source plausible in this highly complex world when the mere broadcasting of a sequence of prime numbers is considered to be from an intelligent source? Just looking for some logic and consistency
Heading for bed - will pick up on this thread later.
The book was better but I actually didn't like either one.
> Why isn't an intellegent source plausible in this highly complex world when the mere broadcasting of a sequence of prime numbers is considered to be from an intelligent source?
Because complexity is not a good indicator of intelligence. Complexity is often an indicator or *chaos,* and complexity that functions is usually an example of unintelligent forces simply trimming off the bits that don't work.
Prime numbers are of interest because, at least so far, there are no known natural phenomena that produce them in ordered strings.
Actually, it has been theorized that that was what 2001 A Space Odyssey the Movie was all about.
We assume that monoliths which are 1x4x9 are created by intelligent beings, so what must the human fetus shown at the end be created by?
ROTFLMAO! I will bring it up at the next conference. :-)
According to the linked article, SETI is funded by NASA.
NASA is a US government agency.
The US government is funded by taxpayers.
Taxes are forced exactions.
Therefore, SETI is funded by forced exactions.
It's pretty simple, even for a RadioAstronomer.
To the extent that it doesn't waste taxpayers' dollars, I have no objection. Folks should be free to explore the worlds of extraterrestrial intelligence, UFOs, ESP, demons and angels to their hearts' content as long as they pay for themselves.
However, the article explicitly states that NASA indeed does fund SETI programs, and money is fungible.
Hmm, you are right, at least according to the article. While I support SETI, I do not support taxpayer funding of it. There is no compelling national interest.
Their funding was pulled quite some time ago. Evidently, NASA has experienced sufficient mission creep and reinstated it.
Frankly NASA has just been way too out there on some of it's stuff, such as the astrobiology work. Guys, we do not pay tax dollars to support speculation. Write a Sci-Fi novel like real speculators do. It's not like there isn't a market for it already.
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