One of recorded history’s most prolonged-running and written conspiracy theories is whether we are alone. The concept of first contact with extraterrestrial beings has fascinated humanity for centuries. As a little boy growing up with movies such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Wars, and E.T. and having direct bloodlines to ancestors like Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon), I have always been enamored and intrigued with the possibility of intelligent life both here on our planet (we know more about the moon than we do our oceans) and what is out there among the darkness of space in our universe containing more stars than the grains of sand on all of the beaches here in Earth. In this article, we will delve into the hypothetical scenario of first contact with extradimensional beings, extraterrestrials, or “aliens,” exploring the various possibilities, potential challenges, and the impact they may have on our world and finally start to answer humans’ biggest question, are we truly alone in this universe.

The possibility of encountering intelligent life from other planets or discovering something right here in our oceans, deep down in the planet or the ice-covered continent of Antarctica, sparks our imagination and raises profound questions and debates about our human place in the universe. Who better to research and discuss than those subject matter experts who have traveled to space and would have first-hand knowledge and experiences with the UFO phenomenon, Navy test pilot, NASA astronaut, and MIT graduate Edgar Mitchell?

In 1966, just 13 years after enlisting in the United States Navy, Edgar Mitchell became a NASA astronaut. Mitchell spent much of his adult life as a Naval Aviator before attending the Navy’s postgraduate school. He became a Navy research pilot and earned his Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was in the rotation for Apollo Missions 9 and 10 and was supposed to go up with the ill-fated Apollo 13. However, it was during Apollo 14 that Edgar Mitchell was finally able to set foot on the moon’s surface. While returning to Earth, he finally had a moment to take in the view. Seeing Earth from the outside changed how he saw himself and humanity.

“My own experience was a very powerful one —on the way back after my work was done…From looking at Earth from space, you come up with the question, who are we, how did we get here, and where’s all this going? And that’s an ancient question that humans have asked for a long time. My experience was to realize that perhaps our science is wrong at answering these questions, and perhaps our religious cosmologies are archaic and flawed. And given that now we are an extraterrestrial civilization ourselves, we need to re-ask these questions,  do a lot more work to find the answers. I happen to be privileged enough to be in on the fact that we have been visited on this planet, and the UFO phenomenon is real.
-Edgar Mitchell.

The once-enlisted sailor and celebrated astronaut who became the sixth human on the moon passed over in 2016 at age 85.

I. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI):
Humanity’s fascination with intelligent life beyond Earth has led to the establishment of organizations such as the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Through radio telescopes and other advanced technologies, SETI has been scanning the cosmos for any potential signals indicating the presence of alien civilizations. The discovery of such signals could potentially pave the way for first contact.

II. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):
JWST is a large, space-based observatory that is set to be launched by NASA. It is designed to study the universe in infrared wavelengths and will be able to see the first galaxies that formed in the early universe. As for whether the James Webb telescope will discover life, its primary goal is not to search for extraterrestrial life directly. However, the telescope will be able to study the atmospheres of exoplanets, which could provide valuable information about their potential habitability. While the JWST may not directly discover life, it could contribute to our understanding of the conditions that could support life on other planets.

III. The Encounter: A Momentous Event:
If first contact were to occur, it would undoubtedly be a momentous event in human history. The initial encounter between humans and aliens could take various forms, from direct physical encounters to communication through advanced technologies. Both parties’ reactions would be a mix of curiosity, excitement, and apprehension.

IV. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers:
Communication with extraterrestrial beings would present significant challenges due to potential cultural and linguistic barriers. Aliens may have different ways of perceiving and understanding the world, making it difficult to establish meaningful communication. Developing a universal language or using advanced translation technologies would be crucial in bridging this gap.

V. Technological Advancements and Scientific Collaboration: 
First contact would undoubtedly spur significant technological advancements and scientific collaboration. The exchange of knowledge and ideas between humans and aliens could revolutionize our understanding of the universe, leading to breakthroughs in physics, biology, and astrophysics. The sharing of advanced technologies could also profoundly impact our way of life.

VI. Societal and Ethical Implications: 
The societal and ethical implications of first contact cannot be understated. The encounter with a more advanced civilization may raise questions about our existence, religion, and philosophy. It could also challenge our perception of humanity’s place in the universe and prompt us to reevaluate our values and priorities as a species. The potential for conflicts and power struggles may arise, requiring careful consideration and diplomacy.

VII. The Impact on Earth’s Ecosystem: 
The arrival of aliens could have unintended consequences for Earth’s ecosystem. Introducing alien organisms or technologies could disrupt delicate ecological balances, leading to unpredictable outcomes. Establishing protocols and guidelines to prevent any irreversible damage and ensure the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity becomes crucial.

In conclusion, First contact with aliens remains a hypothetical scenario, but it captivates our collective imagination. Exploring this possibility raises profound questions about our place in the universe, our understanding of life, and the potential for scientific and technological advancements. As we continue to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence, we must also contemplate the societal, ethical, and environmental implications that first contact would entail. We can only navigate the unknown and embrace the potential opportunities and challenges that await us in the vast cosmos by approaching this hypothetical scenario with open minds and careful consideration. Welcome to our Roaring 20’s of change, renaissance, and transformation!

“We don’t need to be this warlike civilization. We need to learn to be a cooperative civilization working together to solve our survival problems and our sustainability problems. Because right now, civilization as we live it is not sustainable… it’s a question as to whether we can make it through this century or not, the way we’re doing things right now.”  -Edgar Mitchell.

“A new day! A new opportunity! A day we have not seen before to use our intuition to prospect this wonderful world around us! -The Intuitive Prospector™

Author: Marc Lainhart   http://bestamericanpsychics.com/listing/marc-lainhart