People I (Mostly) Admire 113. Do We Have Evidence of Alien Life?
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Sep 2, 2023 Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb dives into the possibility of extraterrestrial technology and challenges conventional thinking. He discusses the peculiar interstellar object 'Oumuamua and its controversial nature, exploring theories of it being an artificial construct. Loeb also examines recent congressional hearings on unidentified anomalous phenomena, shedding light on military encounters with unusual flying objects. With a call for the Galileo Project, he advocates for a data-driven approach to studying alien life, urging a reassessment of humanity's place in the cosmos.
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Avi Loeb's Background
- Avi Loeb describes himself as a curious farm boy intrigued by fundamental questions.
- His path to astrophysics was unplanned, starting with philosophy, military service, and a physics PhD.
Evidence-Based Science
- Scientists should be guided by evidence and adapt to reality.
- Refusing evidence may offer temporary control but doesn't change reality itself.
Alien Technology
- Loeb believes in the possibility of encountering alien technology, either as space trash or functional devices.
- He suggests that self-replicating probes could seed the galaxy.