[meteorite-list] SETS: The Search for Extra-terrestrial Stupidity

[E.P. Grondine]

Hi all - 

Given the lack of intelligent life here on Earth, what are the chances of finding it elsewhere?

Every habitable planet will lie in an accretion disk, and thus be subjected to extinction level cometary impact. 

Now consider carefully NASA and other space agencies response to this fact. 

As further disincentive, I've seen it said that without the Moon, the Earth would not have plate tectonics: in other words, there would be water on top of rock underneath. And without a mixed environment intelligent life would not evolve. (Though I'm not too sure about octopuses, but even so, would they really become space faring? Would they really develop radio?)

Finally, considering the total transmissions from the Earth, someone elsewhere would be far more likely to be watching Lucy, Desi, Fred and Ethel, if they picked up anything at all.

Would anyone like to apologize to Hibben now?

E.P. Grondine
Man and Impct in the Americas