[quote][i]A brief intro... I have always had a deep passion for science, but have found few opportunities to have good discussions about various topics since I've graduated college. I want to try to bring some of that discussion to Bnet by proposing new scenarios now and then for the community to think about, discuss, and debate. I welcome all to participate as they believe appropriate; please express your thoughts, sources, and backgrounds.[/i][/quote] [b]Can humanity expect to have alien contact in the next few millennia?[/b] Rooted in beliefs of antiquity to modern science fiction, the concept of humanity not being the only intelligent species in the universe inspires both awe and fear. In some contexts, alien species represent a more patient, intelligent species that find Humanity's brash existence difficult to cope with. In others, aliens are a conquered, or conquering, race, locked in a largely one-sided struggle for survival. Regardless of the scenario, the discovery of life that originated outside of our rocky planet would be an unprecedented discovery, especially if that life turned out to be intelligent. I would like the community to discuss whether it is plausible, unlikely, or impossible for Humanity to have contact with an intelligent (communicating) alien species over the next two or three thousand years.