A key figure in the search of alien-life has made the astounding claim man is on ththe cusp of confirming
intelligent beings exist elsewhere in the universe.
Dr Seth Shostak, a senior expert at the search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI), is so
confident he has "bet everyone a cup of coffee" that a world changing update looms-and within 20 years.
He said "We may find microbial life-the kind you'd find in the corners of your bath tub,we may find that a
lot sooner but that remains to be seen"
"but it's gonna happen, I think, in your lifetime."
However, Dr Shostak - who is at the helm of a mission detect radio signals from alien
civilisation in space - said once we confirm their existence, "making contact" could be difficult and a very
long-term project spanning generations.
He said "If they're 500 light -years away you'll hear a signal that'll be 500 year old.
"And if you broadcast back "hi we're the Earthlings, how're you doing" it will be 1,000 years before you hear
back from them.
"So it's not exactly contact but at least you know they're there."
In July 2015 Professor Stephen Hawkins launched a $100 million search for aliens with cash from Russian tycoon
Yuri Milner.
The pair launched the Breakthrough Listen mission at a London press office conference and it was billed as
the biggest intensive search for intelligent extraterrestrial life yet.
It involves a number of top scientists who use special equipment to try to tune into any signal coming from
being's in far flung corners of the cosmos.
Speaking then at The Royal, in London, Hawkins said "We believe that life arose spontaneously on Earth, so
in an infinite universe, there must be other occurances of life."
So far, it has yet to find any definite co firmed alien signals.
By Jon Austin, Tue, October 3, 2017
Daily Express