Things I Like - Sciences

Tomorrow marks the start of the 12th Annual National Science Week. What, you weren’t aware that we had a National Science Week? Well don’t feel too ignorant because unless you live in Australia, you don’t. Too bad because it sounds like a lot of fun with events and programs scheduled throughout the country. According to CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, National Science Week

…aims to increase community awareness and understanding of the role of science, engineering, technology and innovation in maintaining and improving our society, economy and the environment…Each year a National Science Week theme for schools is chosen to assist teachers focus and plan ways to engage students in national Science Week celebrations. The schools’ theme for 2009 is…Astronomy: science without limits.
~CSIRO

One of the nation-wide programs is an extra terrestrial outreach – the opportunity to send a message to another planet. Sponsored by Cosmos magazine, text messages collected on the site will be transmitted to Gliese 581d, the planet closest to Earth thought to be capable of supporting life.

When I visited the site, they had collected over 2,460 messages from all over the world – many were offerings of peace and love, some were mathematical equations, others were entertaining:

You are cordially invited to an Interplanetary BBQ. 6.00pm, 4th October, 2452 at my place BYO Meat and Beer. RSVP: Year 2100 Cheers
Daniel Edmonds
Melbourne, Australia

Hello from Italy by earth planet. We comin'in peace with dish of Pizza and Spaghetti oil garlic and red pepper! See you after...:-)
Andrea
Torino, Italy

Whats your view on Pluto as a planet? is it or isnt it? I think it is but the big guns have changed their minds and say it isnt.. let us know :)
Catherine
Mackay, Australia

With so many messages of love and peace, it appears that we are ripe for the picking. Looking forward to serving our alien overlords. We'd make great pets!
David
Melbourne, Australia

There’s still time to send your own - of course, since Gliese 581d is about 20 light years away, it will be at least 40 years before you can expect a response. Thanks to my sister Jan for the link!