The Galileo Project is daring to look
The Galileo Project has just been launched, with Avi Loeb of Harvard University’s Astronomy Department at its head. We consider this to be an exciting and much-needed development.
The aim is simple: to search for physical objects associated with extraterrestrial technological civilisations. The research team will initially try to obtain high-resolution, multi-detector images of UAP within Earth’s atmosphere using a network of mid-sized telescopes and detector arrays fitted with suitable cameras and computer systems. As Avi has said: “A picture is worth a thousand words. In my case, a picture is worth sixty six thousand words - the number of words in my book Extraterrestrial.” He also announced that US$1.75 million in private donations has been received over the previous two weeks to fund the research.
Later on, project activities will be expanded to search for interstellar objects within our solar system, such as ‘Oumuamua, as well as searching for potential small-sized satellites made by an extraterrestrial civilisation that could possibly be positioned high above Earth.
Credit: The Galileo Project
They are daring to look - and such open-minded enquiry must be applauded and encouraged. Although this spirit of enquiry to make the unknown known should be typical across the scientific world, sadly this is not the case. As we have previously reported, stigma and taboo dominate within the academic community when it comes to UFOs or UAP. Avi Loeb has already championed the need for a healthier psychological approach to scientific endeavour, highlighted by his work to understand the mysterious ‘Oumuamua. We expect that a new generation of young scientists will be inspired and emboldened by the example of Avi and his team.
We have previously stated our position that, although intriguing, witness testimony is not enough. The Galileo Project is therefore a step in the right direction. Avi has said the project is “a fishing expedition”, based on observation with photographic and other data-gathering professional equipment. During the public announcement to launch the project, he stated: “We can no longer ignore the possibility that [extraterrestrial] technological civilisations pre-dated us, and that we are not the smartest kid on our cosmic block.”
Many people are fascinated by reports of UAP. Some thrive on the mystery, using fantasy as a psychological distraction. But a lot of us want to know for sure what these reported objects actually are. If conventional explanations are authentically found to be the answer, then so be it. But if some are extraterrestrial craft, we likewise need to know - not least so we can move forwards and begin to digest the profound implications that would arise from such a discovery.
Written by Jessica Nelson, 27th July 2021