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Do you believe in UFOs & flying saucers ?

1356751

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 4,497 ✭✭✭auspicious


    nthclare wrote: »
    .

    Supposedly there's a cryptoid doing well in getting noticed around Ballyvaughan/Fanore in the last few years.

    Seen by a few people.

    Fr. Jack has finally reached the mainland. He's due a good shave at this 'stage'.


  • Registered Users Posts: 220 ✭✭SomeGuyCalledMi


    The only conspiracy theory I believe is that oil companies are behind climate change denial.

    As for the ufo issue I don't think all of the people who see them are lying. I think some people are not good at admitting when they don't know something, especially experts.

    The truth is probably that nobody knows what some these things are.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,278 ✭✭✭Hamsterchops


    How many have been found during this lockdown ?
    It's amazing how people still believe in crop circles even after public demonstrations of how to make them using noting more complicated than string and a bit of wood.

    They appear in Summertime right? When the harvest is at its height I think, so not sure about this year yet. I personally have always pondered as to whether they can all be fake, or just some of the most rudimentary formations.

    The intricacy of many of the patterns has to be seen (from the air) to be believed, so how and why anybody could simply trample the crop in such a precise way is beyond me.

    Yet who else is creating them other than people?

    Logically a trained team of people sets out to create them overnight in the dark (tricky), and yet I wonder if that's possible :cool:

    Many examples online if you search Crop Circles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,583 ✭✭✭✭M.T. Cranium


    The thing is, supposedly they have been out there observing us for at least a century now, you would think they would do one of three things,

    (a) decide we were worth taking on as a colony and making a big show

    (b) determine that we were some future danger and eliminate us

    (c) get bored and go looking for a more interesting planet

    and not (d) hang around making more and more ambiguous appearances

    but then you never know, aliens may not be very bright, just technological geeks without social skills.


  • Registered Users Posts: 220 ✭✭SomeGuyCalledMi


    They could be right in front of us now and we'll never know. No more than an ant knows my foot is an inch above it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,029 ✭✭✭Rhys Essien


    The question we need to be asking is not if they are real but why are they visiting us.

    My own view is that we are possibly their experiment/creation and they are observing us.

    I can't believe in 2020 that people are still dismissing the topic when there is mountains of solid evidence that we are not alone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,396 ✭✭✭kincaid


    I believe they exist but never saw one,


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,638 ✭✭✭✭bangkok


    The thing is, supposedly they have been out there observing us for at least a century now, you would think they would do one of three things,

    (a) decide we were worth taking on as a colony and making a big show

    (b) determine that we were some future danger and eliminate us

    (c) get bored and go looking for a more interesting planet

    and not (d) hang around making more and more ambiguous appearances

    but then you never know, aliens may not be very bright, just technological geeks without social skills.

    or maybe they were the ones who put us here and come back every so often just to check up?

    i often wonder do some of the tribes in the amazon who see a plane fly over think that they are some sort of alien spacecraft??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,704 ✭✭✭corks finest


    bangkok wrote: »
    or maybe they were the ones who put us here and come back every so often just to check up?

    i often wonder do some of the tribes in the amazon who see a plane fly over think that they are some sort of alien spacecraft??

    Doubt it,only hardwood prospectors


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,704 ✭✭✭corks finest


    They could be right in front of us now and we'll never know. No more than an ant knows my foot is an inch above it.

    Way I look at this is why do we think we're so special as the only "civilised" species on just this one small, insignificant planet in the solar system,
    Genuinely hope there are other species out there, why not, I've buried a lot of family members beleive in the afterlife, and hope that we're not alone


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  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 92,450 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Logically a trained team of people sets out to create them overnight in the dark (tricky), and yet I wonder if that's possible :cool:
    The simplest explanation that meets all the known observations is that Doug and Dave are artists, with all that entails.

    Crop circles were completely debunked when it was explained how they were made. There were no footprints because they walked along tractor tracks.

    https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-10-mn-2463-story.html


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭4068ac1elhodqr


    Crop circles were completely debunked when it was explained how they were made. There were no footprints because they walked along tractor tracks.
    Perhaps so, assuming this explains 100% of all cases.

    Fare more curious/interesting/relevant is the occurance of animal mutilations, (usually cattle). Might be some interest from the flying lads from Zeon, as cows have four stomachs and are able to transform plain grass into a nutritious top up to a cuppatae, or splash on the cornflakes.

    Could well just be a bunch of bored lads in a chopper with laser cutters removing organs (usually via the cows rear), slicing off tounges (ideal for dna samples), and not leaving a trace of blood while they're at it.

    Best not to googleimagebot it, if just after having a heavy lunch.


  • Registered Users Posts: 640 ✭✭✭da_miser


    They are not aliens, just top secret Military tech.
    Stealth bomber is 70's tech
    The fastest plane ever built the SR-71 Blackbird is 60's tech
    Do you think tech has not advanced since then?
    Russia showing unreal missile tech on it evening news, so imagine what both USA and Russia have thats top secret?


  • Registered Users Posts: 640 ✭✭✭da_miser


    The Space X launch was delayed because its a little humid and some scattered showers
    Here is a Russian launch getting hit by lightning

    Here is one in blizzard like conditions

    They keep us in the dark and tell us nothing about the latest tech.
    benrich.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,083 ✭✭✭Rubberchikken


    No. I barely believe in humans. And that depends on the day, time and the mood I'm in.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 957 ✭✭✭80j2lc5y7u6qs9


    Why not, my nana point-blank refused to believe that man actually landed on the moon
    mine too refused to believe that man went to the moon

    What is a tractor path the crop circle hoaxers walked in? If it is the markings of a tractor in the ground wouldn't ther be a mark of their feet on the tractor mark. If not why need to walk in a tractor path since if their feet would not be seen in a tractor path how would they be seen anywhere else?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,442 ✭✭✭Hoop66


    They walked down the paths the tractor wheels had already made in the wheat to avoid leaving their own tracks toward the circles they were creating.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 957 ✭✭✭80j2lc5y7u6qs9


    Hoop66 wrote: »
    They walked down the paths the tractor wheels had already made in the wheat to avoid leaving their own tracks toward the circles they were creating.
    Thanks. The investigators never considered that possibility? I am not very well up on the history. I would have thought their feet would make tracks in the wheat over the tractor tracks


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 92,450 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    da_miser wrote: »
    They are not aliens, just top secret Military tech.
    Stealth bomber is 70's tech
    The fastest plane ever built the SR-71 Blackbird is 60's tech
    Do you think tech has not advanced since then?
    The X-15 was flying in the 1950's and got to Mach 6 on 9th November 1961

    The XB-70 Valkyrie was also doing Mach 3 in the mid 1960's as part of a very public program. And it was a large aircraft.


    Lots of others here
    http://www.astronautix.com/s/spaceplane.html


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,238 ✭✭✭saabsaab


    ddpjx4g-b47b8e35-3b20-4b5e-974d-b8bd9905cf9d.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOWI3MThmNGUtZmFhZi00Y2ZhLWFiODQtYzFhN2YwOGIyODRlXC9kZHBqeDRnLWI0N2I4ZTM1LTNiMjAtNGI1ZS05NzRkLWI4YmQ5OTA1Y2Y5ZC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.D7xcMXKg7Kmf4iwz0mTqcn3v_xDLq1GAyXAHZQAURLg




    Flying wing 1949. odd.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,279 ✭✭✭✭Potential-Monke


    I just hope there is other intelligent life out there. I've just about had it with humans.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 83,412 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    M


    The advent of super high quality cameras in mobile phones around the world and lack of any remotely realistic sighting in the last 5 years says to me no.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭4068ac1elhodqr


    The advent of super high quality cameras in mobile phones around the world and lack of any remotely realistic sighting in the last 5 years says to me no.
    Apart from the USAF official (zoomed in and tracking) video that came out recently of course, that tried to track high speed craft that appeared to defy the laws of physics.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,638 ✭✭✭✭bangkok


    The advent of super high quality cameras in mobile phones around the world and lack of any remotely realistic sighting in the last 5 years says to me no.

    did you ever try to take a picture of a plane flying overhead and check the quality on it?

    what about the recent sighting off the west coast of ireland by 3 or 4 airline pilots? still hasnt been explained


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,063 ✭✭✭wexandproud


    Yep, 20th July1969, Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin.

    “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

    did nobody ever tell you that that's not the full quote , it's actually
    ''one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind , go for it mr gorsky'' is what he said .
    when he returned to earth he was asked what he meant by ''go for it mr gorsky'' . He explained , when i was a boy i spent weekends in my back yard playing with all my toy rockets . One afternoon a rocket landed in my neighbours yard so i climbed over the fence to get it . While standing there looking for the rocket i heard the lady in the house shouting at her husband '' sex , sex in the afternoon we'll have sex in the afternoon when that young fella next door walks on the moon''


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  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 92,450 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    saabsaab wrote: »
    ddpjx4g-b47b8e35-3b20-4b5e-974d-b8bd9905cf9d.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOWI3MThmNGUtZmFhZi00Y2ZhLWFiODQtYzFhN2YwOGIyODRlXC9kZHBqeDRnLWI0N2I4ZTM1LTNiMjAtNGI1ZS05NzRkLWI4YmQ5OTA1Y2Y5ZC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.D7xcMXKg7Kmf4iwz0mTqcn3v_xDLq1GAyXAHZQAURLg




    Flying wing 1949. odd.
    very poor directional stability wallowed all over the sky. The 1953 movie of War of the Worlds has one in it.


    Wasn't until the had computers that they could dispense with the tails

    The B-21 is expected to fly in 2025


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,070 ✭✭✭purplepanda


    I reckon they, the objects spotted & filmed by military personnel, are probably drones or probes, whatever the origin of the technology that is responsible for them, they are a very long way from their original point of origin. I don't think there is any alien lifeforms nearby controlling them as the distances are too vast for that.

    They could have been travelling round our solar system for countless millions of years, in the meantime the originators of this technology, might no longer exist. Could they even be of inter dimensional origin? Ultimately they are designed to explore in a autonomous manner.

    I don't believe that the pilot video footage would have been released if there was any serious indication that the advanced technology that they spring from, whatever it actually is, organic or robotic, is actually present in our solar system or nearby.

    I'm really trying to come up with a logical answer for the military aviation pilots footage , but even after writing all this down for the first time, it does seem more than a bit crazy!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,753 ✭✭✭cgcsb


    This is a fascinating topic I'm only discovering now. I would assume the majority of sightings are a load of bull, but if the USAF spots flying objects they can't identify then that is curious, they could be some Chinese or Russian invention also, a possibility which seems more down to Earth and the simplest explanation.

    If they are in fact aliens from another world, well that just raises further questions:
    -Are they detectable by radar or any other means of long range detection? If they have the technology to avoid this type of detection (indicating they don't want to be seen by humans) why would they allow themselves to be photographed? One assumes they must be able to see planes coming if they are indeed as advanced as
    -If they are from another world, how come we don't spot them arriving from some distance, afterall we can observe distant stars so why not a space craft entering the atmosphere?
    -Perhaps they are based here a long time and didn't arrive an the recent past (before humans had the ability to detect them), if that's the case, why have they not been detected before visually or on radar, sat footage etc.
    -There are people who claim to have found objects/debris they believe to be from an alien spacecraft and cannot be identified by scientists, why isn't a bigger deal made of this? surely all manufactured materials created by people should be identifiable, even technology that is produced secretly.

    We may never have these answers in our lifetime.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,638 ✭✭✭✭bangkok


    cgcsb wrote: »
    This is a fascinating topic I'm only discovering now. I would assume the majority of sightings are a load of bull, but if the USAF spots flying objects they can't identify then that is curious, they could be some Chinese or Russian invention also, a possibility which seems more down to Earth and the simplest explanation.

    If they are in fact aliens from another world, well that just raises further questions:
    -Are they detectable by radar or any other means of long range detection? If they have the technology to avoid this type of detection (indicating they don't want to be seen by humans) why would they allow themselves to be photographed? One assumes they must be able to see planes coming if they are indeed as advanced as
    -If they are from another world, how come we don't spot them arriving from some distance, afterall we can observe distant stars so why not a space craft entering the atmosphere?
    -Perhaps they are based here a long time and didn't arrive an the recent past (before humans had the ability to detect them), if that's the case, why have they not been detected before visually or on radar, sat footage etc.
    -There are people who claim to have found objects/debris they believe to be from an alien spacecraft and cannot be identified by scientists, why isn't a bigger deal made of this? surely all manufactured materials created by people should be identifiable, even technology that is produced secretly.

    We may never have these answers in our lifetime.

    i doubt they travel like we do in straight lines getting from A to B, id say its more likely they bend time and space, punch a hole through and just arrive here.


    you would think so but the powers that be, want this all covered up. imagine telling the world that Aliens existed, all hell would break loose


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    saabsaab wrote: »
    ddpjx4g-b47b8e35-3b20-4b5e-974d-b8bd9905cf9d.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOWI3MThmNGUtZmFhZi00Y2ZhLWFiODQtYzFhN2YwOGIyODRlXC9kZHBqeDRnLWI0N2I4ZTM1LTNiMjAtNGI1ZS05NzRkLWI4YmQ5OTA1Y2Y5ZC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.D7xcMXKg7Kmf4iwz0mTqcn3v_xDLq1GAyXAHZQAURLg




    Flying wing 1949. odd.
    Which was directly influenced by German Horten flying wing of 1944.

    03.HortenHo229_thumb.jpg?resize=620,330

    Which unlike the YB 49 had good flying characteristics and didn't need vertical tail surfaces and no computers required.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,753 ✭✭✭cgcsb


    bangkok wrote: »
    telling the world that Aliens existed, all hell would break loose

    I don't think that's the case. Life would still go on, bookmakers would have to pay out a fair bit. The whole world was told to stay home, cover their faces and close businesses because of a virus and only small pockets of resistance were encountered. If it was public knowledge that there were aliens but you leave them alone, they leave you alone kind of set up, I don't think it would really make a difference. Some entrepreneurs might try sell them something, but that'd be the end of it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,638 ✭✭✭✭bangkok


    cgcsb wrote: »
    I don't think that's the case. Life would still go on, bookmakers would have to pay out a fair bit. The whole world was told to stay home, cover their faces and close businesses because of a virus and only small pockets of resistance were encountered. If it was public knowledge that there were aliens but you leave them alone, they leave you alone kind of set up, I don't think it would really make a difference. Some entrepreneurs might try sell them something, but that'd be the end of it.

    what about some world religions who only believe that god made man and that was it? their whole belief system is gone. people would also be more afraid there is no doubt about that. an alien race who could wipe us out in a second if they wanted to


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 127 ✭✭king_of_mayo


    You have pro-aliens, and they're in the winning seat. If there is some, then great. If not, then they can keep saying "yeah anyday now".


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,753 ✭✭✭cgcsb


    bangkok wrote: »
    what about some world religions who only believe that god made man and that was it? their whole belief system is gone. people would also be more afraid there is no doubt about that. an alien race who could wipe us out in a second if they wanted to

    Well those religions have accepted for a long time that their ideology is only widely accepted in certain geographic areas, to certain races of people. Many people have lived and died for thousands of years without being in contact with missionaries. Christian countries are mostly atheist/agnostic now and Islamic countries aren't all that fussed about missionary work.

    We could be wiped out by any number of events at any time, this has always been the case. The Dinosaurs didn't even see it coming.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,741 ✭✭✭Dr. Bre


    Maybe the aliens wiped out the dinosaurs


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,740 ✭✭✭kingtiger


    Thargor wrote: »
    2 bored airmen trying to lock on to a bird:


    think I would prefer to listen to an actual Air Force commander who had his own encounter. Instead of a keyboard warrior who has probably never even seen a military jet



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,995 ✭✭✭Ipso


    cgcsb wrote: »
    I don't think that's the case. Life would still go on, bookmakers would have to pay out a fair bit. The whole world was told to stay home, cover their faces and close businesses because of a virus and only small pockets of resistance were encountered. If it was public knowledge that there were aliens but you leave them alone, they leave you alone kind of set up, I don't think it would really make a difference. Some entrepreneurs might try sell them something, but that'd be the end of it.

    It’s what the UFO industry need to tell their marks, sorry meant to say customers.
    This whole recent flap in the news about the Pentagon investigating is down to political payback to a more money than sense UFO nut donor named Robert Bigelow where cronies of his were given a desk to investigate. There are a few people whose names seem to pop up over and over again and Tom DeLonge, former member of the band Blink 182, has got sucked in.
    Klass’s curse is just as relevant today as it was back in the day.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 548 ✭✭✭JasonStatham


    Aliens? Definitely. There are too many recorded incidents of credible sightings, to be discounted.


  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭Limpy


    I believe in Aliens before men getting periods


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 726 ✭✭✭I Am Nobody


    I once saw a flying saucer coming straight towards me,followed by a teacup.The ex was never good with her aim.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,807 ✭✭✭ShatterAlan


    Crop circles.

    10 or 20% man made, but who makes the rest?


    Women, some children.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,807 ✭✭✭ShatterAlan


    The only conspiracy theory I believe is that oil companies are behind climate change denial.

    As for the ufo issue I don't think all of the people who see them are lying. I think some people are not good at admitting when they don't know something, especially experts.

    The truth is probably that nobody knows what some these things are.


    Wouldn't they also be behind invading foreign countries to plunder their resources?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,144 ✭✭✭TheIrishGrover


    Do I believe in life on other planets? Yes. I believe there are many many worlds out there with intelligent life. And many worlds far far more advanced than we are.

    However, do I believe in aliens visiting Earth? No. I did as a kid but no. Our current understanding of the physics simply puts faster than light as impossible.

    That's not to say that tomorrow somebody could come out and say "oh wait, they forgot to carry a 1 here, yep.... Yep faster than light travel IS possible and REALLY easy!!!". I mean somebody could come out with a fundamental shift in our perception of the universe and physics but I'm not holding my breath.

    I do believe that we will find conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life in the next 20 years or so. It may be as simple as 100% conclusive evidence that bacteria existed millions of years ago on Mars or it may be atmospheric analysis of extra-solar planets. But I don't believe that an alien spaceship is going to land on the Whitehouse lawn....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,638 ✭✭✭✭bangkok


    Do I believe in life on other planets? Yes. I believe there are many many worlds out there with intelligent life. And many worlds far far more advanced than we are.

    However, do I believe in aliens visiting Earth? No. I did as a kid but no. Our current understanding of the physics simply puts faster than light as impossible.

    That's not to say that tomorrow somebody could come out and say "oh wait, they forgot to carry a 1 here, yep.... Yep faster than light travel IS possible and REALLY easy!!!". I mean somebody could come out with a fundamental shift in our perception of the universe and physics but I'm not holding my breath.

    I do believe that we will find conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life in the next 20 years or so. It may be as simple as 100% conclusive evidence that bacteria existed millions of years ago on Mars or it may be atmospheric analysis of extra-solar planets. But I don't believe that an alien spaceship is going to land on the Whitehouse lawn....

    they prob dont travel the way we do, you are saying travelling at the speed of light, what if they can bend space and time and "pop" into each location they want to go to


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭4068ac1elhodqr


    Do I believe in life on other planets? Yes. I believe there are many many worlds out there with intelligent life. And many worlds far far more advanced than we are..
    Just in the local neighbourhood: 10 billion planets (in our galaxy) that could hold liquid water — which could make them habitable to alien life.
    Then multiply that (10bn) by the number of actual other Galaxies (more bn's)
    However, do I believe in aliens visiting Earth? No. I did as a kid but no. Our current understanding of the physics simply puts faster than light as impossible..
    Our understanding (just 100yrs ago, or so) was that it was not possible to even become airborne or fly at a snail's pace.
    That's not to say that tomorrow somebody could come out and say "oh wait, they forgot to carry a 1 here, yep.... Yep faster than light travel IS possible and REALLY easy!!!". I mean somebody could come out with a fundamental shift in our perception of the universe and physics but I'm not holding my breath..
    Give it another 100yrs (a blink of an eye in universal terms).

    A wild guess would be something relating to the quantum manipulation of time, gravity and other basic laws. Else dimension shifts: afterall we, are just vibrating atoms loosely held together.
    I do believe that we will find conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life in the next 20 years or so. It may be as simple as 100% conclusive evidence that bacteria existed millions of years ago on Mars or it may be atmospheric analysis of extra-solar planets. But I don't believe that an alien spaceship is going to land on the Whitehouse lawn....
    Thought they already found bits of bacteria in the solar system/comets. In regards to a touchdown, there would be little desire from little green men to do this anyway, likely aren't in any great rush.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,753 ✭✭✭cgcsb


    However, do I believe in aliens visiting Earth? No. I did as a kid but no. Our current understanding of the physics simply puts faster than light as impossible.

    Well that's the thing. 200 years ago flying machines to take people to distant continents in a few hours was thought both impossible and indeed laughable. Most people don't have good imaginations and can't allow themselves to imagine scenarios too far beyond what they know.
    I do believe that we will find conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life in the next 20 years or so. It may be as simple as 100% conclusive evidence that bacteria existed millions of years ago.

    I do think that there must be at least microbes os some sort of plant in the sub surface seas on the moons of the gas giants and I've no doubt there was once microbes on mars.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    cgcsb wrote: »
    I do think that there must be at least microbes os some sort of plant in the sub surface seas on the moons of the gas giants and I've no doubt there was once microbes on mars.
    Problem is we just don't know and at a fundamental level we can't at the moment as the only place in the universe where life started was here. With an example of one you can't really extrapolate much. Life could start easily, or it could be vanishingly rare, or somewhere in the middle.

    Even here on Earth where apparently conditions were right and it did start it only happened the once. All life on this planet is related. There are no "aliens" here.

    Then there's intelligent life. Life could be plentiful enough out there, but it could be almost all bacterial in nature. It was here for a very long time before anything complex showed up(which seems to have been triggered by a mass freezing of the planet, so without that...) and even today where it appears to be full of complex life the vast vast majority of it is simple single celled type stuff, fungi and plants. Animals moving around make up a tiny proportion of the biomass of Earth, humans even tinier. If the biomass were a city animals would make up a street of houses, humans one house.

    Intelligent life is another thing again. While many particular adaptations to environments have occurred many times in different species(e.g. sharks, ichthyosaurs and dolphins and well, fish all look "fish" like), intelligence as an adaptation has only happened the once. And when it did in hominids it mostly trundled along for a few million years not doing much really. We come along and for some quirk are different, very different. Abstract thinkers who can imagine a past a future and things we can't see. Never mind we could have easily gone extinct. At one point there was a major reduction in the number of modern humans around and we can see that bottleneck in our DNA today. And never mind we could go extinct in the near enough future geologically and that's all she wrote.

    There were also a series of mass extinctions that took place that if they didn't creatures like us might never have come along. Dinosaurs were around for hundreds of millions of years and yet no hint of anything intelligent coming along.

    TL;DR? we can't know until we find evidence of life elsewhere. That life could be almost always simple life. Intelligence could be very rare and intelligence like ours could be rarer again. There might be only one intelligent life form per galaxy, or none.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Registered Users Posts: 1,993 ✭✭✭randd1


    The bigger question is, do we want to intelligent aliens to know we're here?

    Being likely more advanced than us, they might view us as beneath them and as little more than exotic meat, á la the Kelpians in Star Trek Discovery.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,638 ✭✭✭✭bangkok


    randd1 wrote: »
    The bigger question is, do we want to intelligent aliens to know we're here?

    Being likely more advanced than us, they might view us as beneath them and as little more than exotic meat, á la the Kelpians in Star Trek Discovery.

    or maybe they put us here and come every so often to observe


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,753 ✭✭✭cgcsb


    randd1 wrote: »
    The bigger question is, do we want to intelligent aliens to know we're here?

    Being likely more advanced than us, they might view us as beneath them and as little more than exotic meat, á la the Kelpians in Star Trek Discovery.

    Surely we'd be a curiosity to them, in the same way that extra terestrial bacteria would be to us. All sorts of observations and tests.


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