Fourth release of classified files from ---> https://www.war.gov/UFO/

On 6/22/2026 at 2:25 PM, MigL said:

There is a vast difference between the possibility of interstellar travel, and the advantages/reasoning for interstellar travel.

We are all in agreement that at our current level of technology we can barely do interplanetary probing/travel, but that doesn't discount the possibility of doing so in the future, however, even if technology does advance to the point where we can, the reasons and advantages to interstellar travel may never be worth it.

This assumes, of course, that advanced alien civilizations, if they exist, reason, and have value scales, similar to ours.

Yes, and reading through this thread you can see that there are a number of perspectives, considerations and assumptions. Which is inevitable, since we are discussing a topic that is with all intent purposes, way beyond our current technical capabilities (visiting exoplanets).

Much of the discussion so far is around what we can technically perceive and or feasibly engineer (ignoring costs and constraints). Its a bit like being back when the only means of mechanical transport was horse and cart, then discussing ways in which you could circumnavigate the Earth by making the horse faster, or the cart lighter. Unfortunately the reality is, that from a practical view, the only way we can conceive relatively efficient interstellar travel would be based on, what seems like highly improbable, but theoretically plausible methods such as worm holes, space warping... All other methods are slow, very inefficient, very impractical and very expensive.

Our constraints are fundamentally based on time and distance, simply because we are a biological species limited by short lifespans. If there is a possible scientific way to overcome these constraints our next challenge is technical. Then we have to consider the feasibility, cost and lastly (or firstly) the motivation.

I cannot perceive (based on our current understanding of physics) how a biological entity could/would travel interstellar with any meaningful purpose. Unless they/it had over come the constraints of time and distance. Failing that, biological aliens would either have to be almost immortal (compared to life we know) or be life as we don't know. Alternatively some form of machine like visitation (probe, robot, A.I...) seems, from our experience, a more plausible possibility.

Note: Earlier in the thread someone mentioned that we may be closing in on a full understanding of physics. This was countered, and rightly so. Our current models suggest that we occupy and can only observe around 5% ish of what appears to make up the universe. Leaving 95% still unknown, I'd say its a little presumptuous to say we are nearing a full understanding based on this observation.

I enjoy discussions like these, but we have to be a little imaginative and speculative to answer the question "Could aliens ever visit Earth?". If you want to strictly stick with our current understanding of physics and technical capabilities and assume that aliens are life as we define/know it (in other words could we feasibly visit other exo planets), then the answer is a plain NO. But there is a caveat in the question - "ever" this implies no time limit so since we are unable to foresee the future then the answer is - For the duration of Earth's existence, allowing enough time, for any technically advanced being who can travel interstellar, then YES.

Edited Thursday at 04:06 PM2 days by Intoscience
spelling

42 minutes ago, Intoscience said:

Yes, and reading through this thread you can see that there are a number of perspectives, considerations and assumptions. Which is inevitable, since we are discussing a topic that is with all intent purposes, way beyond our current technical capabilities (visiting exoplanets).

Much of the discussion so far is around what we can technically perceive and or feasibly engineer (ignoring costs and constraints). Its a bit like being back when the only means of mechanical transport was horse and cart, then discussing ways in which you could circumnavigate the Earth by making the horse faster, or the cart lighter. Unfortunately the reality is, that from a practical view, the only way we can conceive relatively efficient interstellar travel would be based on, what seems like highly improbable, but theoretically plausible methods such as worm holes, space warping... All other methods are slow, very inefficient, very impractical and very expensive.

And I’ve been asking, as I’ve done elsewhere, for analysis that doesn’t depend on a specific technology. The energy constraints on e.g. visiting a planet, has certain parameters that don’t depend on technology. Propulsion has some constraints that don’t (I presented one) and others that would eliminate or constrain certain classes of technologies (chemical reactions for propulsion, for example)

What we’re left with is a circular argument for visits of the type described in the OP. You’d need new physics to explain them (e.g. a reactionless drive, since we never seem to see effects of a reaction mass) but without confirming such new physics, simple observation is not evidence of visitation. You’d need physical artifacts — something left behind — that could independently confirm that sightings.

On 7/12/2026 at 3:34 PM, Externet said:

Fourth release of classified files from ---> https://www.war.gov/UFO/

Hey, look over there! A dead cat!

[And don’t look at our attempts to undermine the voting system in time for the mid-terms]

Edited Thursday at 04:59 PM2 days by exchemist

15 hours ago, swansont said:

And I’ve been asking, as I’ve done elsewhere, for analysis that doesn’t depend on a specific technology. The energy constraints on e.g. visiting a planet, has certain parameters that don’t depend on technology. Propulsion has some constraints that don’t (I presented one) and others that would eliminate or constrain certain classes of technologies (chemical reactions for propulsion, for example)

What we’re left with is a circular argument for visits of the type described in the OP. You’d need new physics to explain them (e.g. a reactionless drive, since we never seem to see effects of a reaction mass) but without confirming such new physics, simple observation is not evidence of visitation. You’d need physical artifacts — something left behind — that could independently confirm that sightings.

Yes, exactly. (my bold) Though I would say, new testable physics rather than just theoretical. Worm holes, space warping etc... can be plausible from a theoretical perspective just not currently testable. This is why most serious scientists and science enthusiasts are very sceptical about claimed alien visitations, and rightly so!

We all want it to be possible (well perhaps the majority), why? Well because if it can be done and aliens have succeeded then this means we can also! I don't think there is anything more exciting than the possibility of visiting other planets, especially exo ones!

I think this is why some sceptics (like myself), keep open minded and not too dismissive. Remaining positive and hopeful.