Aliens might not be so friendly
The search for alien life could get us into a trouble, a British astronomer has warned.
Marek Kukula, public astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, says we should get governments and the UN involved lest we unwittingly contact hostile extraterrestrials.
The caution comes as more experts argue the search for intelligent life should be stepped up.
Kukula said: "Part of me is with the enthusiasts and I would like us to try to make proactive contact with a wiser, more peaceful civilisation."
"We might like to assume that if there is intelligent life out there it is wise and benevolent, but of course we have no evidence for this.
"Given the consequences of contact may not be what we initially hoped for, then we need governments and the UN to get involved in any discussions," he told The Sunday Times.
Weird Science Factoid: The last letter to be added to our alphabet was J. Isn't it time for a new one?
Join the Weird Science Facebook group here, or follow us on Twitter here or by searching for weirdsciblog.
Want to be sent the 'best' of the Weird Sci Blog every month? Then sign up for Weird News - a newsletter containing more info about the subjects we cover, plus some extra stuff that didn't make the blog. Interested? Subscribe by e-mailing wscience@me.com with the title 'count me in' and we'll do the rest.



