I think the most interesting thing I took away from the interview with Jill Tarter was the ways we look for aliens. For one, I didn’t think we WERE looking for aliens (it makes sense in hindsight, but the thought never crossed my mind). Throughout the entire video, Tarter elaborates on how science has currently been using electromagnetic signals to search for extraterrestrial life. However, prompted by something mentioned by Professor Goodman, she states that electromagnetic signals may be the worst thing to use/look for. Due to this, those that work with her are turning their attention towards other ways to find extraterrestrials. While it’s not the most fascinating thing, knowing that not only are we actively looking for aliens, but that we’re altering how we look for new life forms, is just super interesting to me.
top of page
bottom of page
Jaida, I'm glad to know that I was not alone in not knowing that there are whole careers and fields relating to the search for aliens! I found it interesting that Jill Tarter mentioned that even social scientists have a role, and the existence of fields like astroethics and astropsychology is, simply put, wild. I am also fascinated by the fact that all of these academic infrastructures exist, even though there is so much uncertainty about what (who?) is out there or where they are, and as you mention, if we are looking in the most efficient way. I guess it is better to be prepared than unprepared should one of Dr. Tarter's positives turn out to not be false...