Are We Alone in the Universe?

[CosmicBills]

Yes, I'm bored. But I'm also curious. Now, it could just be because of the industry I work in or the state I live in, but it seems to me that more people than ever are openly proclaiming that there is other intelligent life in the universe outside of our solar system. I remember growing up at a time when believing in ETs was tantamount to wearing a sign on your back that either read "Delusional" or "Please wedgie me now" depending on your age.

 

But within the last decade we've seen NASA announce the discovery of hundreds of new planets outside out solar system (with the numbers rising by the day) and it seems more and more people believe we're not alone. Heck, even the Vatican came out recently and said that there is other life out there in the cosmos besides our own. Is that a sign they know something we don't and are trying to get ahead of the game? Or is it just the Vatican's way of trying to stay relevant in light of humanity's ever growing understanding of the universe?

 

So now I turn to my constant source of knowledge and wisdom: Off The Wall. What say you? Are we alone in this universe? I understand the temptation will exist for this thread to become an unending string of one-liners. And I'm certain that at least some of those will be downright hilarious. But still, I'm hoping to get honest responses from the people out there.

Edited April 20, 2012 by tgreg99

[ajzepp]

I'm less concerned about whether we come into contact with aliens during my lifetime, and more concerned whether it will be during the lifetime of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum.

[Just Jack]

Yes, I'm bored. But I'm also curious.I'm doing market research for an upcoming project.

 

Fixed

[ajzepp]

Fixed

 

Good point...I wonder if it might be a JJ Abrahms project? Tgreg, if JJ is involved, cough once for yes and twice for no.

[Fan in Chicago]

I'm less concerned about whether we come into contact with aliens during my lifetime, and more concerned whether it will be during the lifetime of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum.

Nice. This past weekend some channel had Independence Day and even though I have watched the quintessential popcorn flick at least 4 times, I had to watch it again. Makes little sense. But I did not care, still don't care and think it is one of the best summer movies of all time.

[KD in CA]

If there is intelligent life out there, I'm sure they've all agreed to steer clear of this planet.

[Captain Hindsight]

Nice. This past weekend some channel had Independence Day and even though I have watched the quintessential popcorn flick at least 4 times, I had to watch it again. Makes little sense. But I did not care, still don't care and think it is one of the best summer movies of all time.

I watched it too. Totally should have been more productive but Will Smith fighting aliens lures me in every time

[DC Tom]

I'm not worried about "elsewhere in the universe". I'm still trying to find intelligent life on this planet.

[Captain Hindsight]

I'm not worried about "elsewhere in the universe". I'm still trying to find intelligent life on this planet.

TBD is a good place to start

[ajzepp]

Nice. This past weekend some channel had Independence Day and even though I have watched the quintessential popcorn flick at least 4 times, I had to watch it again. Makes little sense. But I did not care, still don't care and think it is one of the best summer movies of all time.

 

I'm with ya. One of my all-time favorite popcorn flicks.

[Just Jack]

Good point...I wonder if it might be a JJ Abrahms project? Tgreg, if JJ is involved, cough once for yes and twice for no.

Wait, does he also have to drop his pants and turn his head before coughing? Because I want no part of that.

[ajzepp]

Wait, does he also have to drop his pants and turn his head before coughing? Because I want no part of that.

 

Eh...you've seen one, you've seen 'em all

[DC Tom]

TBD is a good place to start

 

I live in DC. The internet's a step up.

[dib]

I live north of Miami Dade county. I see aliens all the time.

[DrDawkinstein]

I love Neil Degrasse Tyson's quote on this subject. Paraphrasing just a little bit:

 

"Saying there is no life anywhere but Earth is like filling a cup with ocean water and saying 'See, there aren't any whales in the ocean'."

[DC Tom]

I love Neil Degrasse Tyson's quote on this subject. Paraphrasing just a little bit:

 

"Saying there is no life anywhere but Earth is like filling a cup with ocean water and saying 'See, there aren't any whales in the ocean'."

 

But saying there's intelligent life out there is like looking at the plankton in the same cup and saying "Look! Whales!"

 

Quite simply: you don't know what you don't know.

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

Another option should be added to the 2nd question:

 

"No because mankind will cease to exist before contact is made".

[Frostbelt City]

There is alot we don't know that we will never see in our lifetime

 

and no... UFOS don't exist IMO

[dib]

Another option should be added to the 2nd question:

 

"No because mankind will cease to exist before contact is made".

Or after contact is made.

 

Was it Hawkings who said something to the effect of: "Look how things turned out for the Indians after Columbus landed."

[Cugalabanza]

I hate the universe. I'm sick of it. It's stupid.