Re: FERMI: The Silent Universe Explained?

From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Tue Nov 05 2002 - 15:29:22 MST


In 1966 Larry Niven's World of Ptaavs would fit the bill. The Tiny but
brilliant Tnuctipun slaves eliminated all cerebral life within the confines
of the Milky Way galaxy, in one great gouging Night of Power. The telepathic
Thrintum slavers died and took ever tool-making specie with them, with a
40,000 parsec sphere. (pant pant) All this 3 billion years ago.

Dan observed:
<<A civilization could rise up, reach a very sophisticated technological
level, and then accidentally (or even intentionally!) alter the universe
in such a way that leaves it sterile for many years to come.  An even
less bold scenario would be that it need not sterilize the universe, but
cleanse it of intelligent life.  Of course, life -- intelligent or no --
would probably rise again, but only after a long, long time.  A silent
universe wouldn't be so paradoxical after all, though perhaps more
terrifying.
Okay, this is science fiction, but just maybe... definitely maybe...
Any thoughts on this?
Cheers!>>

Fermi's point was that we observed nothing. Now the question is, why? Would
we even recognize an interstellar transport system if it came up and bit is
on the ass? No. On the other hand, things that crackle with power would gain
our attention. If they were comparatively small in size and moved between the
stars? Yes. Have we detected this? No. Do we currently have the means to
detect? Quite possibly, but in my unconsidered explanation, this also would
take telescopes, infrared and gamma ray detectors of enormous capability; and
probably best to be used off-Earth. Good luck in convincing the voter or
investor on such a
R-O-I. Yah Buddy. ET may be out there indeed, but he or she may be farther
the Andromeda



This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Wed Jan 15 2003 - 17:57:57 MST