Re: Star Travel ?

Thomas 'PointedEars' Lahn <[email protected]> writes:

> Daniel wrote:
>> "Steve Silverwood [KB6OJS]" <[email protected]> writes:
>>> On Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:52:51 -0700, Daniel <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>> I'm glad that's a personal opinion.  I'm still hopeful for a peaceful
>>>>> First Contact before I die.
>>>> How do you think that would play out? Simple curiousity.
>>> I honestly don't know.  I know how I would LIKE for it to play out: no
>>> insanity like in Independence Day; no paranoia like in most of the
>>> other Hollywood movies; maybe like in "Star Trek: First Contact"
>>> movie?
>> 
>> I wouldn't want that to happen during my life.
>> 
>> I really hope to witness the supernova of Betelgeuse. I don't even
>> care if it leaves behind a remnant. Also, to have its nebula in the night
>> sky would be a delight. Imagine a permanent change to the Orion
>> constellation. But, it's doubtful that'll happen any time soon, hella
>> bummer.
> WTF are you talking about now?  The question was about first contact.  First
> you said that you were hopeful for a peaceful first contact before you die.
> Now you are saying that you wouldn't want that to happen during your life?

The concept of alien contact doesn't cross my mind these days. Back
in my youth, though, afternoon broadcasts of Star Trek: The Original
Series were the stuff of dreams. The original appeal of the show was an
idealized vision of humanity's future - familiarity with alien
species and advanced life scattered throughout space. It was completely
different than anything offered on TV at the time. This was before
TNG. Participation in SETI@home back in the late nineties to early
two-thousands fit right into my mindset. That was then, right. 

The earlier answer was an impulse post - coming from that younger mindset,
the far end of the naive scale. Yeah, a bit embarrassing in hindsight.

After some time to think on it (over cigars and tea), the stance
shifted. The specifics on why aren't worth revealing. In short, I
should have reflected on the question before my initial response.

My opinion changed.

> And WTF does that have to do with Betelgeuse?

I started thinking of things that are plausible to see in a lifetime. A
supernova of Betelgeuse ended up at the top of the list for
'other-worldly' things worth witnessing.

--
Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | [email protected]