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Universities offering 'alien search' course

Started by Saru , Jul 20 2012 11:01 AM

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28 replies to this topic

#16    badeskov

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Posted 22 July 2012 - 05:20 AM

Frankly, I think this topic is a bit misunderstood.

It is not about knowing what ET life is nor is it intended to preach knowledge about that. It is a means to seed interest among future students in the area of astro-biology (an increasingly important topic given that we spend more and more time in space) and the topic is how we look for life elsewhere in the Universe based on what we currently know. A very good topic to lure new students with, in my honest opinion. And at the same time educate others about how the search for ET is currently done.

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#17    Slave2Fate

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Posted 22 July 2012 - 06:50 PM

View Postbadeskov, on 22 July 2012 - 05:20 AM, said:

Frankly, I think this topic is a bit misunderstood.

It is not about knowing what ET life is nor is it intended to preach knowledge about that. It is a means to seed interest among future students in the area of astro-biology (an increasingly important topic given that we spend more and more time in space) and the topic is how we look for life elsewhere in the Universe based on what we currently know. A very good topic to lure new students with, in my honest opinion. And at the same time educate others about how the search for ET is currently done.

Cheers,
Badeskov

I agree. This has nothing to do with UFO's or alien visitation as far as I can see. I think that those who think this is some sort of validation for the ETH are going to be a bit disappointed.

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#18    Occams Razor

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Posted 29 July 2012 - 12:54 AM

I think this is a great idea. What with CERN discovering the Higgs Boson particle and now looking into dark matter, things that will, before too long, give an insight into how we may develop a realistic method of inter-stellar travel, SETI is of more interest than ever. We have to find some critters out there to go and visit. Not next week obviously, but I think we are just beginning to scratch the surface of realistic deep space exploration. The search for dark matter immediately following the discovery of the Higgs Boson particle is very interesting, it suggests they're looking for a method of inter-stellar travel to me. I could of course be talking out of my backside, it wouldn't be the first time, but thats how it looks to me.

The fact that space has a smell is interesting, as I would think a smell must consist of physical particles. It may be that what these astronauts are smelling on their space-suits is dark matter. They may have been describing the smell of dark matter without even considering that for years. Perhaps NASA should send some of these 'smelly' space-suits to CERN for analysis, they may be able to accurately identify the source of the smell, and save everyone a lot of time. We do indeed live in interesting times, as they say.

I think I will contact Edinburgh University and get the details of this course, it sounds very interesting to me, if I can do the course from here in Australia I think I'll have a crack at it. Good on them for getting this subject out there. (No pun intended).

Edited by Occams Razor, 29 July 2012 - 01:03 AM.

#19    Occams Razor

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Posted 29 July 2012 - 01:11 AM

View PostLilly, on 20 July 2012 - 01:52 PM, said:

Oh my, "a series of short courses accessible online to the public for free from late 2012". So, who's going to try one out? I'd be willing to give it a try  (just once mind you).

I'll sign up. I think generating interest in finding ET and what sort of critters we might come across out there is fascinating stuff.

With all the really interesting deep space/ET and physics stuff going on at the moment with CERN, the SKA and many other projects I think it's great to encourage this type thinking. Good on you Edinburgh Uni

#20    Occams Razor

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Posted 29 July 2012 - 01:13 AM

View Postschizoidwoman, on 20 July 2012 - 03:35 PM, said:

Surprisingly (or perhaps not), it actually is free!

Great! I can hardly wait.

#21    Rob Awesome

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Posted 29 July 2012 - 02:06 AM

Seeing as no one has found alien life yet I'm guessing the failure rate is going to be really high.
The "mean to"s make an unhappy one

#22    R4z3rsPar4d0x

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Posted 30 July 2012 - 09:01 PM

View PostRob Awesome, on 29 July 2012 - 02:06 AM, said:

Seeing as no one has found alien life yet I'm guessing the failure rate is going to be really high.

How do you mean??
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#23    R4z3rsPar4d0x

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Posted 30 July 2012 - 09:03 PM

I think this is an excellent idea also people need to realize just how incredible our universe is and maybe taking these classes will help with that
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#24    Rob Awesome

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Posted 31 July 2012 - 10:45 PM

View PostR4z3rsPar4d0x, on 30 July 2012 - 09:01 PM, said:

How do you mean??

If it's an alien search course the only way you should graduate is if you find an alien. :)
The "mean to"s make an unhappy one

#25    psyche101

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Posted 01 August 2012 - 05:06 AM

I have to offer a positive two cents as well. With all the extra solar planets found in the last couple of decades, it seems a rather prudent move forward. Many minds and all that.

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#26    schizoidwoman

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Posted 01 August 2012 - 04:39 PM

View PostOccams Razor, on 29 July 2012 - 01:13 AM, said:

Great! I can hardly wait.

If you do enrol on the course, let us know how it goes!

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#27    -M7

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Posted 12 November 2012 - 05:33 AM

Does it say how to find the aliens already on Earth?

#28    s33ker

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Posted 12 November 2012 - 06:23 AM

View Postcsspwns, on 20 July 2012 - 07:57 PM, said:

this should be way more usful than the ghost hunting classes
you made me snort coffee through my nose . :tsu:

#29    R4z3rsPar4d0x

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Posted 12 November 2012 - 03:33 PM

View PostRob Awesome, on 31 July 2012 - 10:45 PM, said:



If it's an alien search course the only way you should graduate is if you find an alien. :)
With thinking like that I doubt anyone would pass the class
EXODUS-INSANUS-NOCTURNUS

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