Adam Korbitz, whose ‘Estimate of the Situation’ blog always provides excellent reading on extraterrestrial-related matters, has recently posted a number of updates from the “Searching For Life Signatures” symposium on SETI (coordinated by the International Academy of Astronautics and held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France). Themes covered included the usual SETI fare, and also the debate over whether we should broadcast ourselves to the neighbourhood (‘Active SETI’, also called METI). But surprisingly, some of the talks departed from the standard SETI line, and moved into more ‘fringe’ areas.
Adam tells how a talk on the second day by Alain Labeque (of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale in Orsaycentered) centered on the Fermi Paradox (“If the galaxy is teeming with life, why aren’t aliens here?”) and a possible solution to it, the Zoo Hypothesis (that we are in ‘quarantine’ and being studied/observed). In contrast to the ‘American SETI’ antipathy towards the UFO topic, Labeque was more than happy to engage with the subject:
In his talk yesterday Alain Labeque proposed a possible method for scientists to test the Zoo Hypothesis.
And this is where my jaw dropped.
As I have written about before, I have become accustomed to the searing scorn generally heaped by the American scientific intelligentsia on anyone – inside or outside of traditional science – who proposes an advanced technological civilization in our galactic neighborhood might venture to travel between the stars – including our star, the Sun.
What I am learning at this symposium, however, is that this is a somewhat uniquely American attitude not so widely shared in Europe. (I will leave for another day – soon – my thoughts on the reasons for this seemingly American derangement that lately passes under the gross misnomer of “skepticism.”)
Labeque told his assembled colleagues they should examine UFO sightings for clues as to how to design the SETI experiment.
Suggesting we seriously consider the Zoo Hypothesis as a solution to the Fermi Paradox, Labeque essentially asked his colleagues: if we are being watched, as the Zoo Hypothesis suggests, where are the watchers? (As Labeque put it, where are the “photographers”?)
For a clue, Labeque urged his colleagues consider UFO sightings, including the 1400 or so documented in the Dominique Weinstein catalog. Labeque pointed out that, although many unexplained UFOs appear to behave as if they are under intelligent control, no organized scientific effort to understand the phenomena currently is underway.
In particular, Labeque pointed to the well-known July 1957 RB-47 sighting…
Adam points out that far from being shouted down, “a few of Labeque’s European and Russian colleagues appeared intrigued by the suggested plan and challenged Labeque to clarify several points.” Another European scientist later in the day said that “possible ET presence in our environment should not be neglected”. And in a very Hollywood moment, Labeque concluded his own presentation by stating plainly, “Something is here.”
Adam was also surprised to see another talk given on the Hessdalen Lights, by Bjorn Gitle Hauge (“Investigation and analysis of transient luminous phenomena in the low atmosphere of Hessdalen valley, Norway”). This talk apparently brought about a reaction from the ‘American SETI’ contigent that “ranged from apparent mockery to thinly veiled anger”, despite the fact that Hauge did not claim the phenomenon was something paranormal – he simply asked attendees “to examine his data and suggest an explanation”.
A great set of updates, don’t just rely on my selected quotes – go read them all. The posts, in chronological order, are:
More updates on the conference are promised, so I’ll add them as they become available.
Previously on TDG: SETI and CSICOP – Strange Bedfellows?
