Extraterrestrial First Contact: Two Developments

There has been a flurry of activity regarding the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and that includes some important steps forward. The first comes from a U.S. Military investigation of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP). An upcoming report is expected to show aircraft instrumentation issues, airborne trash, and spy drones as causes for several of the more dramatic presentations. Hopefully, this will be the start of a new process where such sightings are investigated from the beginning and not placed into a desk drawer. 

The second development is the foundation of the SETI Post-Detection HUB at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Researchers there, emphasize the impact humans could have on microbial or other, more advanced life, found on other planets. An example: If simple organic life is found on Mars, we need to have a serious discussion about the impact of human exploration of the planet. We are already leaving quite a bit of mechanical debris on Mars. The same concern would also apply to exoplanets in future space exploration. Dr. John Elliott and his colleagues also plan an inquiry into the issue of notification of evidence of extraterrestrial life and dissemination of such information. There has not been much planning into the notification process and a framework for response by nations. Having an academic group working on this is a huge development. 

There seems to be a shift in perspective for scientists, institutions, and governments when it comes to the consideration of extraterrestrial intelligence. The giggle factor is being replaced by limited, but serious, scientific effort.