Active SETI Is Not Scientific Research
by Michael Michaud
Member of the SETI Permanent Study Group, International Academy of Astronautics
Recent discussions within the SETI community have thoroughly explored the issue of whether people with access to radio telescopes should send powerful signals to alien civilizations without some process of prior international consultation. In particular, those exchanges have focused on the question of "Active SETI."
Some people who oppose prior consultation have framed their arguments in terms of our right to free speech. Few have addressed the other side of this coin, which is our responsibility to the human species.
Let’s be clear about this. Active SETI is not scientific research. It is a deliberate attempt to provoke a response by an alien civilization whose capabilities, intentions, and distance are not known to us. That makes it a policy issue.
http://www.setileague.org/editor/actvseti.htm
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Active SETI - Not Scientific Research?