TESTING A CLAIM OF EXTRATERRESTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

摘要

Last December, members of The SETI League, Inc. and the Invitation to ETI group were called upon to evaluate, and ultimately perform laboratory testing of, a claim of extraterrestrial electromagnetic technology present on Earth. These tests were undertaken because, although the claims were highly questionable, the claimant himself seemed reasonably credible, and a positive outcome, though unlikely, could have tremendous payoffs. Not surprisingly, rigorous testing produced a null result. This paper explores the initial claim, our reaction to it, the evaluation process, the observed results, lessons learned, and our conclusions. Despite the outcome, we feel that all concerned showed great professionalism, and applied scientific rigor to a challenging situation.