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Gliese 581 d. Such a catchy name eh? You probably have never heard of it. It is 20 light years away, but in late April 2009 new observations by the original discovery team concluded that the planet is within the habitable zone where liquid water, and therefore, life, could exist.
Some of you may have heard of SETI. SETI or Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, conducts legitimate science research, searching for extraterrestrial life by looking for some signature of its technology. For years people have been sending radio waves into space on the off chance that there will be a response. Beatles songs, TV shows, radio broadcasts have all been shot into space. Now an Australian website is letting you text into space.
www.hellofromearth.net/ is allowing users from August 12 until August 24, to submit 160 character messages that will be broadcast out to Gliese 581 d. But, don’t expect aliens to be drunk texting you anytime soon. Your SMS will take 20 years to reach Gliese 581 d.
Many users are sending messages of warning how we have destroyed our earth, others are sending messages of hope. Whatever crazy thing you want to send out there, this does raise awareness for science and astronomy. Which I believe is a good thing. Now, I just have to think of a good pick up line for a green woman. No literally green.
Source: www.hellofromearth.net
Image Source: Daniel Hohler
I’m a bit concerned that we’re taking this whole idea of telling everyone we’re here a bit too lightly. Think identity theft is bad? Wait till the aliens find out about us. I’ve written a detailed article about this at http://t1rex.blogspot.com/2009/08/text-messaging-to-stars.html