Meeting Aliens: Opportunity or Danger for Humanity?

One of the most intriguing aspects concerning the human race is

whether we are alone in the solar system or do we have company in

the form of life forms on any other planet. In the 1940s and 50s the

phenomena gained momentum that certain unique objects, which

later came to be known as flying saucers, were observed in the sky in

US. It is believed that these were alien spacecraft, a few of them

crash landed onto earth, most famous being the one in New Mexico.

A US Air Force installation, named as Area 51 has become infamous

for its connection with unidentified flying object(UFO). It is believed

that the facility is used for testing of alien technology recovered from

the crash sites.

Now presuming that aliens do exist the important question is what

do we do? If they have the capability to reach earth, it would be safe

to assume that they are technologically quite competent, may be

superior to us. It will then be a matter of time when there will be a

full scale interaction or an altercation between the two species (us

and them). Communication between the two will be of paramount

importance, to allay the fears that either side can have, otherwise it

can lead to a devastating conflict between the two which can be life

ending.

The methods commonly used by scientists is to look for artificial or

unusual signals transmitted from elsewhere in the universe by

technologically advanced life forms. Alternatively, signals can be sent

from here on the earth as well to show that intelligent life form

exists on earth as well.

Contact with extraterrestrial civilizations raises legal and ethical

issues as well, for the right of extraterrestrial beings. An

extraterrestrial arriving on earth might get the same rights as animals

do. Which means they can be killed by the humans without involving

huge costs. So we have to be careful while dealing with a sensitive

issue like this and frame laws so as to protect a potential conflict

between the two.

There will be so much to learn from each other. Imagine two species

so diverse and so technologically advanced coming on the same

page. We as humans can derive so much information from them in

science and new technology from them, which may help us in solving

our current day problems like global warming or getting ahead of the

onset of pandemic, earthquake warnings and many others. I am sure

that the other species will have a lot to learn from us as well.

I just wish that the interaction does not turn into an altercation, may

be out of fear or any other reason. Such altercations can be

devastating for the species receiving the signal or direct contact, in

this case us. We will lose out on a wonderful opportunity. The onus is

on us.