Why E.T. Doesn't Feel Like Talking
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 10, 2010) – With over 200 billion stars, it's more likely than not that Earth has some unidentified company in the galaxy.
What's more, most of these galactic civilizations are presumably millions of years more advanced than Earth's relatively young technology.
But, alas, no one has contacted us, and we have no evidence of their existence.
Retired University of Kentucky political science professor Brad Canon of the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club will discuss this paradox -- as well as why intelligent life in the galaxy hasn't contacted Earth -- at this month's SkyTalk at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 13, in room 153 of the UK Chemistry-Physics Building.
"Many astronomers and lay persons have paid serious attention to the 'where are they?' question, and several speculative hypotheses have arisen about why there is no evidence of extra-terrestrial intelligence," explained Canon. "The likelihood of intelligent life in our galaxy is obviously an important question, as such a discovery would change our whole perspective about human uniqueness."
Although Canon taught political science at UK for 42 years, he's dabbled in amateur astronomy for 40. "I’ve been fascinated about the question of intelligent life elsewhere and done a fair amount of reading on the subject," he said. "But I am a long way from being an expert. My approach will not be technical."
After Canon's 45-minute talk, participants are invited to cross the street to the MacAdam Student Observatory, located on top of UK Parking Structure #2 at Rose Street and Hilltop Avenue, where everyone will have a chance to look through the 20-inch observatory telescope.
The SkyTalk series is presented by the UK Department of Physics and Astronomy and the MacAdam Student Observatory. Held every second Thursday of the month, the talks are free and open to the public. Middle and high school students are particularly encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact observatory director Tim Knauer at TimKnauer@uky.edu or (859) 257-7147.