Where is everybody? That’s the question the Italian scientist Enrico Fermi asked the world almost six decades ago. A question that has remained unanswered to this day, or has it?
But humans, curious creatures that we are, have always wondered…Is there anybody out there? Alien obsession began over two thousand years ago, with…yes you’ve guessed it, the ancient Greeks. They started the debate about the existence of alien life on other planets. But the concept only really took off once Copernicus proved that all the planets rotate around the Sun.
Many famous astronomers, such as Kepler and Galileo discussed finding alien life elsewhere in the solar system. But they also had to be very careful not to upset the church. Later the ‘plurality of worlds,’ became a popular theory in which scientists discussed the idea that the whole universe should be full of intelligent life.
Astronomers discussed many ways of communicating with potential aliens on planets such as Mars and Venus. One idea called for mirrors with flashing lights to send signals into space. But it was not until 1974 that the first alien message was sent. Frank Drake used the 300-metre reflector dish in the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to send the first CETI, (communication extra terrestrial intelligence) message. Since then many messages have been sent. But unfortunately we’re still waiting – many decades later – for a reply!
Today, radio is thought of as a better way of alien communication. Radio waves are less affected by cosmic dust and there is less of a radio background in outer space.
The idea of aliens has captured the world’s imagination for a long time, with many movies made and science fiction books published, exploring aliens and alien invasions of Earth. On Sunday October 30, 1938, the United States went into mass hysteria, when the radio announced to its’ million listeners that a Martian invasion of our Earth was underway. People were terrified. They fled en masse in their cars, jamming the highways, fleeing the vengeful Martians. Until…Mr. Orson Welles, a director, came on air to tell people that they were actually listening to a play! This play was adapted from H.G. Welles famous novel, ‘War of the Worlds,’ -a great read to this day -a book which describes in detail, a Martian invasion of Earth!
Aliens have also fascinated Hollywood with hundreds of movies made about extra terrestrials, space and alien invasions. Check out any of the Star Wars movies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Aliens and the classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. If you prefer your aliens on the funnier side, definitely watch the hilarious Mars Attacks, Earth Girls are Easy and Aliens Ate my Homework!
But is there any evidence that real life aliens are actually out there, maybe even walking amongst us here on Earth? Well conspiracy theories are rampant, the most famous being UFO’s (Unidentified Flying Objects), some of which can be explained away as hot air balloons or even birds, but many of which baffle scientists to this day. Then there was the Roswell case, with its famous photograph of a dead alien and whispers of a government coverup. Unfortunately the photograph was later proven to have been taken in a museum and the so-called dead alien turned out to be the mummified remains of a two year boy!
However, recent events must be taken into account. A much anticipated report of UFO’s is due to be released by the Pentagon later this month. Videos have been released, showing UFO’s traveling at tremendous speeds, without any evidence of propulsion. Could it be an optical illusion? Maybe? Or should we point the finger at those naughty Russians or Chinese for these super speedy crafts and wonder what they’re up to? Or could it be, at long last evidence that we are not alone and that aliens have visited us? Of course they may have got such a fright that they turned around and left pretty quickly!
But for now the age old question of where is everybody… remains a question mark. And the waiting for direct human to extra terrestrial contact goes on.
Evonne Blanchard is the author of Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace, Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage and Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon. These are the first three books in Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures, an exciting series of ten books set in outer space; for children ages 6-10.
Ever wondered if aliens exist? What if one needed your help? Would you travel into outer space?
Ever wondered if aliens exist? What if one needed your help? Would you travel into outer space? For the adventures…of a lifetime!
Preview Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventure books
Book Three: Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon
Amelia and Uglesnoo land on Mercury. They meet the Merballs, the friendly aliens that live there. All goes well until an asteroid hits their planet. Amelia and Uglesnoo find themselves in deep trouble. How will they convince the Merballs
of their innocence? And how will they manage to collect the flying shoes, escape Mercury and continue their quest to save Uglesnoo’s sister?
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“Adventure, inventiveness, and humor merge in this quirky, appealing tale.”
—Kirkus Reviews.
“…This third book is even more original, fun and creative! With aliens, different planets, a good dose of humor and excellent storytelling that is age-appropriate, this is one of the best kids series out there. The illustrations are pretty fun too and fit the story well.”
—I Heart Reading
Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace
When is a present not a present? When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from Pluto! Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon. Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help. Should Amelia venture into outer Space?
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“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children
Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage
Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help. His sister is very sick. The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune. With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest. More items are needed to buy the crystal. But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens. Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?
“A lively sequel offers a sure-handed blend of fantasy, humor, adventure, and an ingenious heroine.” Kirkus Reviews
5/5 star rating! “Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage is a wonderful children’s book that will allow your kids to get started in the Sci-Fi genre… The story is intriguing and well thought out. All in all, the author did a great job of creating an engaging story that kept my kids interested. We are definitely looking forward to the next book!”- Examiner.com
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Amelia's Amazing Space Adventures 
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