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Our generation could realistically be the one to
discover evidence of life beyond Earth. With this privileged potential
comes responsibility. The magnitude of the question of whether we
are alone in the Universe, and the public interest therein,
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By James Green ...
Nature.com
10-27-21
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opens the possibility that results may be taken to imply more than the
observations support, or than the observers intend. As life-detection objectives
become increasingly prominent in space sciences, it is essential to open a
community dialogue about how to convey information in a subject matter that is
diverse, complicated and has a high potential to be sensationalized.
Establishing best practices for communicating about life detection can serve to
set reasonable expectations on the early stages of a hugely challenging
endeavour, attach value to incremental steps along the path, and build public
trust by making clear that false starts and dead ends are an expected and
potentially productive part of the scientific process.
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