What do you think about SETI?

Question

Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence?

Answer 1

Dr. Frank Drake is the Director of the SETI Institute's Center for the Study of Life in the Universe and also serves on the Board of Trustees of the SETI Institute as Chairman Emeritus. In 1960, as a staff member of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, he conducted the first microwave radio search for extraterrestrial intelligence from other solar systems. For two months Drake aimed an 85-foot West Virginia antenna in the direction of two nearby Sun-like stars.Today more than 90 scientists work at the SETI Institute. Dr. Frank Drake believes that looking for life beyond Earth is the fundamental human question that motivates us to reach out and educate people about SETI'S research work. Dr. Frank Drake is often referred to as the "Father of SETI." He is the first man to listen for signals from extraterrestrial civilizations and a driving force in the search for over 30 years. Having had the privilege of knowing this man the past 5 years, I have to say when I think about SETI I think about all that Dr. Frank Drake has accomplished to further advance the youth of our great country to turn their eyes to space searching for intelligent life. I only hope that Dr. Frank Drake is still around to see his work come true with our first real intelligent "contact"

Answer 2

It could be a waste of time or it could turn out to be one of the most important projects of mankind if it intercepted a signal of intelligence that was truly alien. I myself think that it is a noble cause and a good use of telescope time.

I came across this article about the SETI Institute building a new array of telescopes in Northern California called the Allen telescope array. It will be looking into the galactic center of our own galaxy for signals. The main idea behind it is that there are more solar systems per the area being searched, than looking out toward the edge of our galaxy. The only problem with this this is that the central plane of the milky way is a very rough neighborhood for solar systems to survive long enough for intelligent life to evolve.
But who knows, I think its worth a shot.

http://www.space.com/searchforlife/seti_igps_one_051006.html

Answer 3

I believe it was a wonderful idea that has failed to obtain any results, making the Drake equations dream of millions of advanced civilizations dotting the galaxy seem wildly optimistic. Instead it very much appears like we are alone. At least at this moment in time.

Answer 4

SETI has netted results. It is a great tool and it should be allowed to continue.

Answer 5

the seti is doing a great job is wht i believe