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The Eerie Silence: Are We Alone
in the Universe?
The riveting new book from bestselling author, Paul Davies looking at SETI - the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. Paul Davies addresses the fundamental question that has concerned us since the dawn of conscious thought:
Are We Alone in the Universe?
Paul Davies - Should ET send a message our way, Paul Davies is the man who will receive the phone call asking how (and whether) we should respond.
Wit or wisdom were required to be judged among the top 50 messages received in a recent competition to beam messages into space run by Penguin UK to celebrate the publication of The Eerie Silence: Are we alone in the Universe? by astrophysicist Paul Davies to celebrate the 50th anniversary year of SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence). Nearly 1000 messages received from all over the world were beamed out from BT’s Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall towards the Orion neblua at 2pm on 12 March, the first day of National Science and Engineering Week UK.
Paul Davies says:
“From time to time, humans have deliberately beamed powerful messages into space to attract the attention of any cosmic company. On 12 March, a big radio dish in Cornwall did just that, conveying a selection of messages from earthlings to anyone who cares to listen. The messages were directed towards the Orion nebula, a stellar nursery that would be an attractive location for an advanced alien community with astro-engineering prowess. It will take over 1,200 years for the messages to arrive, travelling at the speed of light, and I for one won’t be around to receive any reply. But the purpose of the exercise is not so much to establish a dialogue with ET. Rather, it is to get young people to reflect on some deep issues, such as whether or not we are alone in the vastness of space, what is mankind’s place in the universe, and why after 50 years of patient listening SETI astronomers are greeted by only an eerie silence? What is more, it is a bit of fun."
Andrew, Manchester
If you've been watching our television broadcasts, I'd like to apologise for everything before and after Carl Sagan's Cosmos.
John, Preston
Two thousand years ago, we had a very enlightening visit from the Creator's Son. Has he been to visit you yet?
Seema, Elgin
Hello! If you're planning to visit our planet, please know you will need to remove all metal from your person, take your shoes off and submit to a full body scan, carry all liquids/gels/aerosols in clear plastic bottles no bigger than 3.4 oz, surrender all cigarette lighters and batteries, pack all jams and jellies (but pies can be carried on) ...oh yes, Welcome to the Earth!
Andrew, Canmore, Alberta
For sale or trade: Several billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. All reasonable offers considered! Must pick up, can not ship.
Mrs Munro, Nottingham
Did you think YOU were alone in the universe?!
View all the 50 winning entries
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