Home » Poems » Gershon Wolf » Distant Galaxies

Distant Galaxies

SETI set the bar incredibly high
   and so many light-years away
Seeking signs from distant galaxies
   beyond Andromeda and Milky Way

Scanning skies for intelligence
   extra-terrestrial, so far out
Perhaps we'd all be better off
   confessing profoundest doubt...





SETI is a project, started in the 1960's,
to detect radio signals, via giant satellite
dishes, emanating from the far reaches
of the universe, as the first step in con-
tacting other 'intelligent life out there...'

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Nette Onclaud

Date: 2/21/2019 1:26:00 PM

like you , i am awed by the mystery that lies within this multiverse... that said, i wonder how far should we go to study other galaxies especially now that hubble telescope presents awesome photos... a reflective, wonderful read, gershon... huggs

Gershon Wolf
Date: 2/21/2019 2:59:00 PM

Thanks for the observation (pun intended, I guess). I think that the answer to your question presents itself right in the question. I.e., the Hubble is still producing actionable results, but SETI has not been and still isn't. So, ditch SETI, per the 'law of diminishing returns.' Thanks again, nette! :) gw

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 2/21/2019 12:41:00 PM

Very wise existential muse, Gershon! Especially when there is so much innerspace unexplored. Outstanding poetry, my dear friend.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 2/21/2019 1:24:00 PM

You've got it. Love the comment. That inner space (in the old noggin and between the noggin and 'the heart' remains the 'Land of Enchantment' for serious scientists. We are just beginning to tap into its myriad meanderings and its explosive potential. (Bombs away!) ~ Gershon

Freddie Robinson Jr.
Date: 2/21/2019 12:42:00 PM

Btw ... I love your pic. You look so learned cool, my intrepid poet pal. Love and best wishes always.

Lunita Blanca

Date: 2/21/2019 10:53:00 AM

Nice write about the many galaxies that make up our universe. Looking for something that prove, we are "not alone".

Gershon Wolf
Date: 2/21/2019 1:22:00 PM

Just show us...we're waiting to be shown... We may have to wait quite a while, as disappointing as the (zero!) results from SETI and other such projects have been to date. ~ Gershon

P.S. Awtry

Date: 2/21/2019 9:13:00 AM

What is the possibility of anything good coming from this extremely expensive experiment...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 2/21/2019 1:21:00 PM

Great question, P.S. At this point, you'd think that the 'law of diminishing returns' would be kicking in---and it has! That's good news. I've recently read (in 'Discover Magazine') that SETI has had big trouble raising the necessary funds to keep it going beyond this year... Thanks for the insightful comment! Best wishes, Gershon

CayCay Jennings

Date: 2/21/2019 6:40:00 AM

Thank you for the information as delivered in your enjoyable poem. I wish man would leave the galaxy alone for I fear we'll goof it up just like earth. I keep pausing on 'intelligent life' - how many people would I consider such? My mind, she wanders! Anyway, good write, I really had a good time reading it. All the best ... CayCay

Gershon Wolf
Date: 2/21/2019 8:52:00 AM

Yup. I'm with you all the way on this, figuring that as soon as we get to another planet, we'll start polluting it with our material (and verbal) waste... btw, ever read 'Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury? -- one of the chronicles/stories addresses this fear directly... Thank you for your reflections and your encouragement! :) gw

Tom Cunningham

Date: 2/21/2019 2:15:00 AM

Interesting, wonder if they've picked up anything yet. Tom.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 2/21/2019 8:50:00 AM

Actually, in about 55 years, not one signal!! ( A couple almosts is all). Very unSET-tling to those who are so sure that there 'just has to be' intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. So far, there's been zero evidence of such life from SETI or any other projects... Is it just possible that mankind (and the supporting animal kingdom) is a (very) special creation? ~ gw, Mr 'Non-PC'

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 2/21/2019 12:01:00 AM

The 1960's with My Favorite Martian and The Jetson's and all the art with spacemen and rocket ships. What a memory you have brought me with this one!