A Conversation for Ask h2g2
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Peet (the Pedantic Punctuation Policeman, Muse of Lateral Programming Ideas, Eggcups-Spurtle-and-Spoonswinner, BBC Cheese Namer & Zaphodista) Posted Mar 16, 2003
"Warm" speed...? Flake99, I believe you have been seduced by the cosy side of the force. 
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Flake99 Posted Mar 16, 2003
Perhaps there are special heating benefits when you bend the Universe.
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Flake99 Posted Mar 16, 2003
Noggin,
I agree.
But I think if we do make contact at some point, it will fill the news for about a week, then gradualy become lower and lower in the adgenda. Then we have the generations born after the event that think of it as normal.
Unfortunatly, i think wonder will pass.
Are We Alone in the Universe?
CMaster Posted Mar 17, 2003
Contact would be intersting, but unfortunatley, until we discover faster than light something, kinda pointless.
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Peet (the Pedantic Punctuation Policeman, Muse of Lateral Programming Ideas, Eggcups-Spurtle-and-Spoonswinner, BBC Cheese Namer & Zaphodista) Posted Mar 18, 2003
There are theories which allow faster-than-light communication, even if actual travel is impossible... The could get a permanent portal on the internet. 
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Apparition™ (Mourning Empty the best uncle anyone could wish for) Posted Mar 18, 2003
Remember the relativity also applies to time. The faster you travel the slower time appears to travel. According to theory a trip to andromeda(SP?) would only take 50 years for the traveller.
It has been proven but only on small scale.
Are We Alone in the Universe?
FiedlersFizzle Posted Mar 18, 2003
This seems a little relevant to the convo... a small chance as noted, but nevertheless, a chance it could be....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2857865.stm
Are We Alone in the Universe?
creachy Posted Mar 18, 2003
i get the feeling that if one day intelligent life does contact earth and someone does ask about their faith in a god, that the intelligent being will turn around and say 'what, we came by ship!'
creachy
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Flake99 Posted Mar 18, 2003
Forgive me, but I don't understand that statement.
Are We Alone in the Universe?
creachy Posted Mar 18, 2003
sorry, what i basically mean is(now this gets contravertial about here) that religion and beliefs have hindered our progress in the technological way.
i.e. if ET's did visit us i don't think they would believe in anything other than the technology they have that has brought them so far. there are numerous examples of ETHICS born from religion have stood in the way of scientific development.
creachy
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Wulfric Posted Mar 18, 2003
Not necessarily the case. Religion can be a strong driving force and the aliens may feel they have a religious duty to either "spread the word" or simply to investigate all possible things.
On the other hand it could be that we ask "Is there a God?" and they turn around and say "Yes, us!"
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Hoovooloo Posted Mar 18, 2003
Just what we need, another debate about religion. Wonderful...
H.
Are We Alone in the Universe?
ourmanflint " my name is Klaatu " Posted Mar 18, 2003
funnily enough I think if string theory holds it's ground, then I believe we have already been visited by alien cultures...
it would certainly explain a few things regarding eastern mysticism and the correlation with particle physics.
It's absurd to think that just because there hasn't been an alien contact within the brief period we've been looking, that there hasn't been one in the last hundred millenia.........
Hidden
FiedlersFizzle Posted Mar 18, 2003
Aaarrrggghhhhh!!! Now the bloomin moderation is on here!! What the hell has this thread got to do with 'you know what' that somebody feels it necessary to post?
Hidden
FiedlersFizzle Posted Mar 18, 2003
Personally, I think visitation in more superstitious times would be a good explanation of the rise of religion... although I'm not really a proponent of Mr Von Danikens theories...
Are We Alone in the Universe?
combattant pour liberte Posted Mar 18, 2003
I don't think we are. (Especially if you agree that apes and dolphins are sentient/self-aware). There's almost certainly aliens given the size of the Milky Way galaxy alone (100 000? light-years in diameter)
Are We Alone in the Universe?
ourmanflint " my name is Klaatu " Posted Mar 18, 2003
No I think Erich von Daniken was was off the mark....
but if string theory is correct, then the Aborigines claim that the universe was sung into being is prophetic to say the least
Key: Complain about this post
Are We Alone in the Universe?
- 101: Peet (the Pedantic Punctuation Policeman, Muse of Lateral Programming Ideas, Eggcups-Spurtle-and-Spoonswinner, BBC Cheese Namer & Zaphodista) (Mar 16, 2003)
- 102: Flake99 (Mar 16, 2003)
- 103: Flake99 (Mar 16, 2003)
- 104: CMaster (Mar 17, 2003)
- 105: Peet (the Pedantic Punctuation Policeman, Muse of Lateral Programming Ideas, Eggcups-Spurtle-and-Spoonswinner, BBC Cheese Namer & Zaphodista) (Mar 18, 2003)
- 106: Apparition™ (Mourning Empty the best uncle anyone could wish for) (Mar 18, 2003)
- 107: FiedlersFizzle (Mar 18, 2003)
- 108: creachy (Mar 18, 2003)
- 109: Flake99 (Mar 18, 2003)
- 110: creachy (Mar 18, 2003)
- 111: Flake99 (Mar 18, 2003)
- 112: Wulfric (Mar 18, 2003)
- 113: Hoovooloo (Mar 18, 2003)
- 114: ourmanflint " my name is Klaatu " (Mar 18, 2003)
- 115: FiedlersFizzle (Mar 18, 2003)
- 116: FiedlersFizzle (Mar 18, 2003)
- 117: combattant pour liberte (Mar 18, 2003)
- 118: FiedlersFizzle (Mar 18, 2003)
- 119: ourmanflint " my name is Klaatu " (Mar 18, 2003)
- 120: Flake99 (Mar 18, 2003)
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