Expert: Tom Whiting - 8/11/2009

Question
Is it a waste of time and resources to listen for signals from intelligent life in the Universe ?  

Answer
Hi Chris,
Realize this is a "matter of opinion" question, and more of a biological or astrobiology
(the only college course without a subject, as yet)... question as opposed to an astronomy question.

In my opinion, yes of course it's worth it...it's certainly cheaper and quicker than sending
interstellar probes out there to all the nearby stars that would take hundreds of years
to arrive in their vicinity. No one can predetermine whether or not we are alone. Personally
I think intelligent life is quite rare (the heavy elements are only up to 3% Lithium 3 - Uranium 92) with 97% of this Universe still H and He. (We've only just begun, as the song by the Carpenter's says). Maybe we're very lucky to be here this early!  We could be the first.
But I still think the few million dollars we spend per year is still worth the effort, but
we need faster and better computers to analyze the possible incoming signals on the many many
wavelengths available.  I mean we waste so much money anyway...studying the sex life of the
Dung Beetle in the heart of Africa...so, why not do something more useful with our millions
of dollars?  What's the difference?  The US Congress is going to spend it one way or another
anyway.  May as well pay a couple of astronomers instead.
Just my opinion,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

FOLLOW UP:
And don't forget that it's the magic night of August 11...the Perseid meteor shower max'es
out tonight at 60-200 meteors per hour after midnight local time, so this is the big
meteor night out there....with 1/4 strength tomorrow night.
Clear skies,
Tom