Aliens: a matter of faith, or science?



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Are we alone in the Universe? What if we aren't?

It's a question that excites both science and religion.

On the one hand there are theories of alien abductions and encounters - fringe to most scientists - but on the other hand, we have money and effort going into serious scientific searches for alien intelligence.

By the by, Pope Francis recently remarked that he would happily baptise any alien who arrived from outer space and asked for it. Even former NASA astronauts believe in aliens.

Meaning and purpose are very much part of religious and ethical enquiry. And even alien life gets a guernsey among serious scientists and transcendental enquirers; religious or otherwise.

It's probably fair to say life's big questions don't get much more fundamental than asking if humanity is unique in the universe.

Our guests in this hour each bring a unique approach to speculation on life outside our planet.

Dr Ragbir Bhathal is the Director of the Australian Optical SETI Project at the University of Western Sydney. About 5 years ago he created quite a stir when he detected a laser look alike signal from 47 Tucanae, a southern globular cluster. On further investigation it was found to be a false signal probably from high energy cosmic rays. His search continues. Being an astrophysicist he believes that all phenomena, even the search for microbes on Mars or other extrasolar planets or any scientific theory needs to be falsified by experiment. The press got it wrong when the British reporter mistakenly wrote that the signal came from Gliese 581g.

Charley Lineweaver is a scientist interested in astrobiology, cosmology and planetology. Charley is not sympathetic to scientists who think we may yet find intelligent alien life. He has happily debated the eminent Paul Davies on the matter. He is nevertheless seriously engaged in exploring the possibilty of simple life forms outside our own planet; and has taken a direct interest in the possibility of life on Mars.

Mary Rodwell believes absolutely that human beings are not alone in the universe. She has been the subject of an SBS documentary on the matter together with her skeptic son, ABC presenter Chris Rodwell. Mary works as a counsellor and hypnotherapist with people who say they had had direct encounters with alien presences. Some say they have been the victims of alien abduction. She has founded the Australian Close Encounter Resource Network

GUESTS

Charley Lineweaver, senior fellow at the Planetary Science Institute at the Australian National University

Mary Rodwell, counsellor and speaker, and one of Australia's most outspoken advocates for the existence of UFOs and alien intelligence.

Dr Ragbir Bhathal, director of the Australian Optical SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) project at the University of Western Sydney