Are We Alone? Or are There Aliens Out There?

Only 600 miles or ten hours by car from Newport Beach (AITSE headquarters) you can find an impressive array of 42 dish antennas. And Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft does not intend to stop there–the Cascade mountain countryside will soon sport 350 dishes.

One might ask “why”? A reasonable question. The answer, “To look for aliens,” might seem less obvious. But, nonetheless, the purpose of the Allen telescope is to search for radio signals that might indicate the presence of extraterrestrial beings. After all, in our experience of the world, the source of specified complexity (such as code) is always intelligent beings.

But, the question is, will the code necessarily be detectable? After all, humans beings are using less and less radio technology and are increasing their use of fiber optics and other technologies. Surely other civilizations would do the same (this is not necessarily an accurate assumption)!

Therefore, various scientists have suggested alternatives to searching for radio waves–and most involve searching for…pollution! Or, retired particle physicist, Dr. Dick Carrigan suggests how about searching for something thus far only found in science fiction? Dyson spheres (see Ringworld by Larry Niven).

Well, whether you think these are good or bad ideas, please do note the underlying assumption. When one detects design, whether in radio wave patterns, factories spewing out pollution or artificial satellites, it is logical to consider that it might be due to the action of intelligent beings. And then, we need to follow the evidence where it leads.