A new solar system light years away with planets!!?

[rafhelp]

Another discovery that has people around the world so excited.

But what is the cause or reason for us spending billions/zillions on space research and exploration. We are fascinated with space and science fiction. We see movies showing space travel, finding aliens and new planets and alot of people seem to like these ideas.

But is the reason to find extra terrestrial life? If so then all that money is not really paying off as after all this time there has not been even one piece of solid proof of intelligent life off our own planet.

Is it because we feel that our earth will eventually be self destroyed due to pollution, natural disasters or 'acts of god', so we need to look elsewhere to travel to just in case?

Is it just curiosity? If so then isnt then much better things that can be done with all that money like helping the worst off people ON this planet.

Is it done for science and knowledge, to try and explain our own existence using theories that dont involve god. Or so that better advanced technology can be developed.

Please discuss.

[Pharmanaut]

Have all the millions already sent in aid solved the problems here on earth?

I wonder if most of it finds its way to 'swiss bank accounts'.

Think about the "Band Aid" millions.

One of the things about the space program is it moves science forward.

[rafhelp]

Declassified FBI reports and documents reveal official documentation relating to the existence of UFO's and extratestials!

We are not alone!

But if the government knows of their existence then why would they spend billions trying to find intelligent life on mars.

[vanquish s]

I believe our future is among the stars. Steven Hawking and many other leading scientists that if humanity is to survive it must spread beyond earth. The risk of extinction i.e. asteroid impact or global warming is to high if we remain in one place. We are not even a type 1 civilisation on the scale that goes up to 3. This research is vital as it may, in centuries to come pave the way for interstellar missions. Better than spending it on the war in iraq

[vanquish s]

currently over 500 exosolar planets have been discovered, expected to be much higher due to the lauch of Keplar. SETI currrently has 5 unexplained messages that it cannot explain. For anyone who is interested in astronomy and has an iphone or ipad I highly recommend starwalk.

[LeftArm]

SETI currrently has 5 unexplained messages that it cannot explain.

[vanquish s]

well, they cannot determine whether the source is terrestrial, an astrological phenomena or a truly ET in nature

[LeftArm]

I'm surpriesed that following the success of the moon missions there hasn't been more invested in that direction. There are far more concrete benefits in that than looking at potential extrasolar planets which we currently don't have the technology to visit. (and may never have)

I want a moon base! The ISS is ok but a proper moon base could be used build and launch larger spaceships. It would also give us experience of how a potential interstellar spacecraft might work.

[vanquish s]

I agree massively. Furthermore it is a massive source of helium (a potential future fuel) and other metals/minerals and it has a good supply of frozen water

[mrmeds]

apparnently this new solar system contains a planet with a working EPS system