h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

ahhhh-I love to read articles on the solar system. I don't think there is a more fascinating subject.

Good Work

Primord-giving s to anyone who leaves a message about my Basil Rathbone entry.

Thanks a lot Primord, although technically Arcturus isn't part of the solar system, but I know what you mean!

Woodpigeon

hehehe!

beats me why people look for
aliens-the real stuff is much more interesting.
apologies if you believe in them!

Agree with you completely Primord. The observable universe throws up far more interesting possibilities than most half-assed, hyper-cliched UFO nonsense.

On your question however, do I believe there is alien life out there? I don't see why not - a news story out today estimates that there might be billions of earth-like planets out there in the Milky Way alone, and we know of at least one that supports life (i.e. here). Trouble is, most of these planets will be so incredibly far away, with life in varying stages of development, and possibly completely different evolutionary outcomes, that us communicating with them, or them calling over to say "hi" to us might just be beyond the bounds of probability. I still think SETI, over time, has a reasonable chance of picking something up, but the consequences of that, apart from us realising that we are not alone, might be rather academic.

my thoughts exactly!

I wish the people who spend their time looking for s would put their energy into more constructive stuff though-like campaigning to reduce light pollution.

Too true! You'd think they might be interested in that - you can't see 's if you can't see the s in the sky!

Mind you I saw something really strange a few weeks ago, that nearly had me questioning myself - it turned out to be the Space Shuttle just after taking off... Incredible...