Scientists discuss extra-terrestrial life and how women are impacting the field
A shared fascination with the prospect of extraterrestrial life brought astronomers and grade-school children together for a fun and interesting discussion during a Conference on World Affairs panel entitled “Aliens and Mad Science.”
Crowded into the UMC’s West Ballroom, a diverse audience listened to panelists Seth Shostak, Sidney Perkowitz and Barbara Thompson light-heartedly discuss everything from classic science-fiction aliens to string theory.
Shostak, a senior astronomer at the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence Institute, began with a humorous analysis of Hollywood’s representation of aliens.
“Hollywood aliens are usually portrayed as either good or bad,” Shostak said. “If they’re good, then they resemble cute, childlike beings such as ET. But if they’re bad, they probably resemble some sort of creature here on earth that humans don’t like, like bugs, snakes, crustaceans, etc.”
From there, Shostak moved on to an explanation of his research at SETI. In an effort to find evidence of extra-terrestrial intelligence, SETI employs two main methods. One is to survey the universe for narrow-band radio frequencies, which are not generated naturally, Shostak said. The other method is to send high-powered laser flashes to distant galaxies in hopes of inciting a response.
But as Shostak admitted, there has been no response yet.
NASA astrophysicist Barbara Thompson generally avoided making claims about extra-terrestrial life. Instead, she focused on her own experiences as a female scientist facing stereotypes in a predominantly male field.
“I work with a lot of men, and I have been in quite a few strange situations, which I had to navigate,” Thompson said. “I just wish people could forget that I’m a woman.”
Thompson then addressed the issue of educating and encouraging children to take an interest in science.
“It’s important to represent science honestly to children,” Thompson said. Science is often romanticized as a means to stimulate interest. “But when we remove discouragement, we are duping them.”
Thompson also mentioned a story told to her by a colleague. Apparently, the colleague’s daughter demonstrated an ability to concentrate on one topic, which her grade-school teacher interpreted as abnormal. The teacher suggested that the girl be put on medication. Thompson’s colleague did not agree.
“They are trying to medicate science out of kids,” Thompson said, “by diagnosing children who display a capacity to sit still for long periods of time. These are the future scientists.”
However, many of the grade-school children present in the room were either doodling in notebooks or nodding off to sleep by this point in the panel.
Panelist and Emory University physics professor Sidney Perkowitz contributed to the discussion by suggesting the audience see the movie “Gattaca” for an idea of what kind of future the developments in eugenics may be leading toward.
Perkowitz is currently working on a science-fiction screenplay and claimed to have watched numerous science fiction films nearly every day for the last several months as part of his research. Thompson offered him a piece of advice for writing about female scientists.
“Write all your scientists in as men, then just change their sex,” Thompson said with a smile.
When the panel opened up for questions, a long line of grade-school children formed around the perimeter of the room. In turn each asked a question, some of them stuttering and nervous, others confident and articulate.
The panelists patiently answered each question, offering responses that ranged from in-depth physics to witty puns.
When asked why aliens haven’t visited Earth, Thompson replied, “Maybe the aliens are waiting for us to get past the puberty of humanity.”
Among the most complex ideas entertained by the panelists was Freeman Dyson’s supposition that advanced life forms in distant reaches of the universe have harnessed the power of entire suns to supply their civilizations with a sufficient energy source. Not a bad idea for humans to try out.
When asked whether he believed Earth was set up by aliens as a sort of massive zoo, Shostak replied, “Well, it certainly is a cagey idea.”
Contact Campus Press staff writer James Collector at james.collector@thecampuspress.com.
