Overcoming the Image of Little Green Men: Astrosociology and SETI

In 1960, based on calculations showing the feasibility of radio communication over interstellar distances, astronomers began the systematic search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. To maintain their credibility with their fellow scientists and their eligibility for funding the scientists who undertook the search were compelled to distance themselves from popular beliefs about UFOs. They achieved this through the leadership of prominent senior scientists, relentless emphasis on scient ific methods with specia l attention to replication and verification, stringent g ate keeping, and open identification with prominent skeptics. Early on, these scientists recognized the societal implications of their efforts, and sought to involve scholars from a broad range of social sciences. Research o pportunities f or sociologists in clude public attitudes a nd support, conduct and expansion of the search, message decryption and interpretation, news dissemination and rumor control, the immediate and long-term consequences of detection, and prospective analyses of extraterrestrial civilizations. Sociologists who choose to participate should be aware of the giggle factor and the risks of over-identification with the SETI cause.