2007-01-02 10:16:35 · 13 answers · asked by Max 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Curiosity.
To expand on that, we do not know how many earth like planets there could be in other stellar systems. If we knew how common they are, then we could perhaps deduct the possibility of those having developed life. And then perhaps, estimate how many could have civilizations around them.
This probe can perhaps find out more.
I, for one, would like to know.
2007-01-02 10:22:19 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well our nearest star is only 4 light years away so I think a satellite may be able to see something there but it could only be curiosity. I don't know what speed a space ship could reach say 100,000 miles an hour maybe but this speed only about 28 miles a second so it would take about 26,000 years to reach the nearest star.
2007-01-02 10:26:27 · answer #2 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am reminded, whenever I hear such a question, of Faraday's reply to Queen Victoria when the monarch asked the scientist of what use his curious experiments with electricity were. He replied, "Madam, of what use is a baby?".
We have no idea what potential benefits are to be derived from pursuing knowledge for its own sake, but history shows that scientific discovery invariably leads to an improvement in the quality of human life.
2007-01-02 14:54:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In case our enlightened world leaders decide to start a nuclear holocaust in a thousand years from now. It would be nice for people to have a Plan B instead of getting fried.
2007-01-02 10:25:15 · answer #4 · answered by jdog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to know if there are some is philosophically very important.
It is a very important point to find out if there can be life similar to ours somewhere else, or if there is somewhere to go should our planet suffer an environmental change that could threaten our existence.
2007-01-02 10:24:48 · answer #5 · answered by PragmaticAlien 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quite,it's a disgusting waste of money.Even IF and it's a big IF
they found something after travelling for hundreds of thousands of years(remember probes can't travel anywhere near the speed of light) who would be here to receive the information?There is a limit and sometimes,truly,ignorance is bliss.
2007-01-02 20:33:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
knowledge
if u send stuff out there there is a chance u can find something which can bring a lot more knowledge
2007-01-02 10:28:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the point of any basic scientific knowledge?
2007-01-02 10:20:30 · answer #8 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Intellectual interest, that is all. I very much doubt if it contributes at all to human happiness.
2007-01-02 10:46:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
so bush and blair can monopolize the oilfieds with out a war.
2007-01-02 10:40:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋