Cultural Bias Distorts the Search for Alien Life

Trouble viewing? View in your browser. View all Scientific American publications.

    

August 11, 2022

Dear Reader, This week, our top story is a thought-provoking interview with science historian Rebecca Charbonneau about cultural biases that may affect humankind's search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). SETI, Charbonneau says, is not only about looking outward for signs of cosmic civilizations, but also looking inward to better understand how our own preconceptions can shape our perceptions of whatever we ultimately find. Elsewhere, we have stories about the late "Gaia hypothesis" scientist Jim Lovelock, newfound planet-forming disks around stars, the urgent need to protect non-military satellites, and more. Enjoy!

Lee Billings, Senior Editor, Space & Physics @LeeBillings

Extraterrestrial Life Cultural Bias Distorts the Search for Alien Life "Decolonizing" the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) could boost its chances of success, says science historian Rebecca Charbonneau By Camilo Garzón

Climate Change In Memoriam: James Lovelock (1919-2022) The inventor who introduced the Gaia hypothesis to environmental science leaves behind a rich legacy By John Gribbin,Nature magazine

Aerospace The Biden Administration Must Designate Civilian Satellites Critical Infrastructure Nongovernment satellites are vulnerable to attack, and calling them critical infrastructure would make it easier for the U.S. to fight back By Dakota Cary

Extraterrestrial Life With New Study, NASA Seeks the Science behind UFOs Although modest in scope, a NASA research project reflects shifting attitudes toward the formerly taboo subject of UFOs By Adam Mann

Astronomy Planetary Debris Disks Discovered with Citizen Scientists and Virtual Reality Members of the public are helping professional astronomers identify nascent planetary systems By Briley Lewis

Astronomy The Webb Telescope Captures a Stunning View of the Cartwheel Galaxy Webb sees through dust and gas into regions out of reach of optical telescopes such as Hubble, revealing new galaxy views By Tereza Pultarova,SPACE.com

FROM THE STORE Extraterrestrials and the Search for Life Do aliens exist? The enduring mystery of whether we're alone in the universe is a question that continues to drive scientific study into groundbreaking directions. This collection examines the latest thinking in the search for life, from discussing why we haven't found evidence of aliens so far to determining where and how to conduct the search to opening up the possibilities for what otherworldly life could truly look like.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It is not enough to just want to contact aliens and hope interaction will be friendly; we must critically examine our own history and words and stop assuming our good intentions will not result in harm. 'Columbus' metaphors might not hurt an alien, but using them will hurt people on Earth." Science historian Rebecca Charbonneau, on the need to "decolonize" the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

FROM THE ARCHIVE How Do We Prevent War in Space? There are defensive, offensive and diplomatic options for averting conflicts in orbit By Ann Finkbeiner | November 2020

LATEST ISSUES

Questions?   Comments?

Download the Scientific American App

To view this email as a web page, go here. You received this email because you opted-in to receive email from Scientific American. To ensure delivery please add news@email.scientificamerican.com to your address book. Unsubscribe     Manage Email Preferences     Privacy Policy     Contact Us