Profile: Alexander Lamprey

Yes, extra-terrestrial life exists and it is essential that we attempt to find it. I sincerely hope that the discovery of extra-terrestrial life occurs within my lifetime and that details of such life are made available to the public. The potential benefits are beyond measure and any perceived dangers cannot be allowed to interfere with our quest for knowledge.

2. Should humans transmit a beacon for others to find? If so, what information should we send?

Information about Earth and its inhabitants should be broadcast to potential alien intelligences so that, although time delays would be huge, an interstellar dialogue can be established. Information about us should include our location in space, physical appearance, numerical system and, to avoid confusion, one nominated language (presumably English?).

3. Why do you run SETI@home? What are your views about the project? Any suggestions?

I run SETI@home because I am optimistic about the projects chances and would like to be a small part of its eventual success. The prospect that data I am crunching may indeed be a signal from an alien intelligence is enormously exciting. I know too little about the science involved to offer suggestions and trust the scientists in charge to decide which is the best way to utilise the available technology. With the demise of Classic SETI@home I have now transferred all of my processing over to BOINC and would like to wish everyone concerned the very best of luck.

Keep watching the skies!