LettersThe call of UFOs – because the proof is out there

The idea of extraterrestrial life fuels writers’ and filmmakers’ imaginations and makes for an abundance of tantalising conspiracy theories about aliens out there monitoring us
But who can say with absolute certainty that there aren’t beings with higher intelligence in this planetary system and beyond?

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Life

Letters

Published: 12:30am, 27 Jun, 2021

Why you can trust SCMP

The highly anticipated US government report on sightings of mysterious craft has reignited interest in the perennially enigmatic subject of unidentified flying objects, long popularised by Hollywood in films such as E.T., the Alien series, Cloverfield and the Men in Black franchise.

The notion that there is extraterrestrial life in outer space fuels writers’ and filmmakers’ imaginations and makes for an abundance of tantalising conspiracy theories about aliens out there monitoring us.

Earthlings have always taken pride in their status as possibly the only intelligent life form in the universe capable of harnessing the power of advanced technology, space exploration and civilisation. To entertain the possibility of the existence of extraterrestrial beings is at odds with the collective belief that only human beings on Earth possess and can use their intelligence to solve problems, travel and communicate using language.

As things stand, it is highly unlikely that scientists can say in no uncertain terms whether extraterrestrial life is fact or fiction any time soon.

The task of detecting unusual radio signals or alien activity is best left to the experts. As ordinary people, we can only speculate on the validity of anecdotal accounts of UFO sightings.

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However, social media platforms are awash with fake news and misinformation, so there are bound to be attention-hungry people producing prank images or videos to garner likes on social media. It is next to impossible to verify the authenticity of these grainy pictures or video footage, which may have been altered.

One thing is certain, though – people around the globe will continue to be fascinated by the idea of UFOs and extraterrestrial beings. Who can say with absolute certainty that there aren’t beings possessing higher intelligence living on other planets in this planetary system and beyond?

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Such a question also puts our life in perspective. Human beings might just be one of the many intelligent species that exist alongside others in this universe, so we might as well show more humility in daily life.

Whether such other life forms are friends or foes seems like the next big movie idea for Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan. Is co-directing a film an alien concept to them?

Jason Tang, Tin Shui Wai

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