From thousands of years ago to today, there have been many sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) across the world. Almost everyone believes that these UFOs are associated with the extraterrestrial intelligence that may exist in the vast universe. In addition, there are many explanations for these sightings, including weather effect, government conspiracy, and religious miracles. Based on our current evidence it is impossible to conclude indisputably that aliens from outer space exist or have visited earth before. However, we can understand the attempts human have made in trying to contact species from another planet.
The SETI projects have created many giant radio disks that send signals toward outer space. These devices are aid to have the ability to send the radio signals to thousands of light years away. If the aliens from outer space can pick up this signal, then they can respond to us. The SETI projects also have receiving option to receive any signals sent by the aliens. Some famous SETI projects include SERENDIP, SETI@HOME, and SETI Net. Richard Char’s space dolphin is also an example of SETI project. The dolphin shaped satellite send signal out toward the empty space and hoping that the aliens would respond.
After all of these expensive SETI projects, have the aliens respond? Have these aliens received our message and respond to us? In 1977, a project volunteer Jerry R. Ehman witnessed an exceptionally strong signal while helping at OSU SETI program. This signal was later known as the “Wow” signal. Many speculate that this signal is indeed a response from an intelligent life form. No other strong signal is picked up again. Most people are still unconvinced of the alien theory.
As stated in the introduction, there have been many alien sightings throughout history. These sightings created many controversies with the SETI projects. The UFO sightings are not all fabricated. Hundred of thousands of people have seen these flying objects flying. Among these people, there are aerial professionals who have seen all kinds of aircrafts and meteorologist who have seen all kinds of weather. If these people have seen something that is still unknown to human, then it is very likely that this something must have come from outer space. If these aliens have even visited earth, then why are there projects that cost millions of dollars that attempt to contact intelligence that is already here? The advocates of the SETI projects argue that these UFO sightings are not hard evidence that aliens are here.
Despite the UFO debates, there have been many popular culture products that come from the sightings of UFO. It is generally believed from movies and science fiction novel that UFOs are disk shaped objects, and those who drive in them are aliens who have big eyes and head. Other examples of UFOs and aliens can be seen in movies such as Aliens, Predator, and ET. Despite the UFO controversy, the subject has created a new topic for people to discuss.
