An Inquiry into the Wisdom of the Learned

Searching For Aliens

Let us engage in a thorough contemplation of this matter. On one hand, we encounter UFO enthusiasts proclaiming, "Aliens have graced our presence, and I have witnessed their arrival!" On the other hand, scientists offer a contrasting viewpoint, asserting, "It was merely a balloon."

Let us adopt a perspective akin to that of the extraterrestrials. Envision a vessel designed for intergalactic voyages. Suppose these beings discover life on Earth. In charting their next course through warp travel, what coordinates would they set?

For the sake of discussion, let us temporarily assume that these aliens have indeed acknowledged our existence. They possess knowledge of our technological advancements and our capacity for space exploration. This premise eliminates the need to speculate about their motivations, whether rooted in fear or curiosity, thereby establishing a reasonable starting point.

Imagine these alien entities engaging in a cosmic holiday, inputting navigation coordinates. Where would their destination lie? Reflect upon this hypothetical scenario. What coordinates would you, in their position, enter?

It seems logical that the destination would be Earth, not some arbitrary location like Jupiter, unless there exists a compelling reason, perhaps akin to a cosmic refueling station. In our terrestrial experiences, we prioritize efficiency in travel, opting for direct routes rather than meandering detours. We favor interstates or numbered highways over circuitous paths.

Likewise, if extraterrestrial civilizations possess the means for intergalactic travel, they are unlikely to linger aimlessly in the vastness of space. Instead, they would gravitate towards our vicinity, specifically our orbital sphere, as that aligns with their intended destination.

In essence, the proposition that we might encounter aliens within our atmosphere appears more plausible than encountering them adrift in the void of space. The question arises: what purpose would they serve in such a distant locale?