The Search for Intelligent Life
At observatories around the world,
Scientists keenly scan the evening sky
For signs of any intelligent life
And hope to contact them. Or try.
But the speed of light is a limit
On how fast this contact’s done.
Messages sent out today will take
Years to reach the second nearest sun.
They’re serious about the work at hand
But the jokes on them, you see —
Somewhere, fifty light years out in space,
They’re watching “I love Lucy”.
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© J Cosmo Newbery
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Print this post
At observatories around the world,
Scientists keenly scan the evening sky
For signs of any intelligent life
And hope to contact them. Or try.
But the speed of light is a limit
On how fast this contact’s done.
Messages sent out today will take
Years to reach the second nearest sun.
They’re serious about the work at hand
But the jokes on them, you see —
Somewhere, fifty light years out in space,
They’re watching “I love Lucy”.
---
© J Cosmo Newbery
---
in that case we are doomed ..
ReplyDeleteThey are yet to find intelligent life on this planet. What makes them think they will find it further afield?
ReplyDeleteWhat if they are watching the Twilight Zone?
ReplyDeleteindeed.
ReplyDeleteand there is probably some inverse relationship between their level of intelligence and likelihood of ever contacting us.
Luuuuuucyyyy!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, love it, they will start deciphering Babalooooo for cosmic clues no doubt!
J Cosmic Newbery??
ReplyDelete