Technologies

Harvard astronomer begins new search for alien spaceships in our skies

The famous (or infamous, depending who you ask) scientist and E.T. believer, Avi Loeb, is out to capture some UAP sightings of his own.

Harvard’s most controversial astronomer is leading a new initiative, dubbed the Galileo Project, to check Earth’s skies and the rest of the solar system for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Avi Loeb, the longtime astronomy professor who became well-known for his belief that interstellar object Oumuamua was likely an alien probe, announced the details of his plan via a virtual press conference Monday.

Officially, the initiative is described as «a transparent scientific project to advance a systematic experimental search for cross-validated evidence of potential astro-archaeological artifacts or active technical equipment made by putative existing or extinct extraterrestrial technological civilizations (ETCs).»

Translation: The plan is to use a variety of telescopes to look for alien spaceships, probes or other debris left behind by intelligent beings who weren’t born on Earth.

«What we see in our sky is not something that politicians or militarypersonnel should interpret because they were not trained as scientists,» Loeb told reporters. «It’s for the science community to figure out… based on non-governmental data that we will assemble as scientists.»

The first phase of the project involves setting up a network of dozens of relatively small telescopes around the globe that will attempt to capture new images of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP, the newly favored and more inclusive acronym designed to replace «UFOs»).

A highly anticipated report released by the US Director of National Intelligence in June confirmed the existence of a number of UAP, which the military and intelligence community can offer no certain explanations for.

«The goal of the Galileo Project is to bring the search for extraterrestrial technological signatures from accidental or anecdotal observations and legends to the mainstream of transparent, validated and systematic scientific research,» reads a statement.

New eyes on the sky

To do this, the plan is to focus solely on gathering new data and observations instead of analyzing past UAP sightings like those included in the recent DNI report. The new data will then be analyzed by algorithms and artificial intelligence to attempt to separate true UAP from birds, balloons, drones, satellites and other known explanations.

Project co-founder Frank Laukien, a visiting chemical biology scholar at Harvard and CEO of scientific instrument maker Bruker, noted the Galileo Project won’t be considering any alternative physics-based explanations for new UAP observations.

«We will stick, scientifically, to known physics but will make the data available,»Laukien said.

Loeb has become a polarizing figure in the astronomy community, especially since the release of his book outlining his Oumuamua hypothesis earlier this year, with a number of scientists accusing him of jumping to radical conclusions without appropriate evidence.

«Most scientists don’t discount the possible existence of these types of civilizations (the universe is vast!),» Justin Cowart, a Ph.D. candidate studying Martian geology, tweeted Monday.»But most don’t jump on extraordinary claims without extraordinary evidence, which Loeb likes to do.»

Loeb rejects the premise «extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence» but still hopes to collect some with his new project. Indeed, the nod to Galileo in the project name is a bit of a clap back at his critics by drawing a comparison to the famed 16th century astronomer who was imprisoned for his then-heretical suggestion the Earth revolved around the sun and not vice versa.

Looking further out, too

In addition to trying to spot UAP in the sky, the project also plans to use next-generation telescopes like the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory to look for more objects in thesolar system like Oumuamua, as well as potential alien probes currentlyorbiting Earth to check us out in a low-key way. A description of the project even leaves open the possibility of designing its own purpose-built space observatory:

«We will conceptualize and design, potentially in collaboration with interested space agencies or space ventures, a launch-ready space mission to image unusual interstellar objects such as Oumuamua by intercepting their trajectories on their approach to the sun or by using ground-based survey telescopes to discover interstellar meteors.»

All this is naturally a potentially expensive proposition. Loeb told reporters he has received donations to his research fund at Harvard totaling over $1.75 million in the last two weeks with «no strings attached.»

He says the hope is to increase that funding level by at least ten-fold «to accomplish more rigorous study.»

As for when we could see new UAP images courtesy of the Galileo Project, Loeb said the team is currently selecting its telescopes and hopes to present «interesting results in the coming year.»

«It starts now,» he said.

Follow CNET’s 2021 Space Calendar to stay up to date with all the latest space news this year. You can even add it to your own Google Calendar.

Technologies

Worldwide Financial Services Directory: BitcoinPay Trade Joins Financial1000

Exciting news for BitcoinPay Trade as the company is officially listed on Financial1000, a respected platform that connects individuals with a wide range of businesses and professionals in the financial sector. This new development marks an important milestone for BitcoinPay Trade, as it continues to expand its reach and offer its services to a growing global audience.

Financial1000 is a trusted directory that brings together financial service providers from around the world, offering users the opportunity to explore various businesses and professionals within the financial industry. BitcoinPay Trade’s inclusion on this platform ensures the company’s place in the rapidly growing digital finance landscape.

Visitors are invited to explore BitcoinPay Trade’s profile on Financial1000 to discover the services offered and stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments. The company’s page can be accessed here: BitcoinPay Trade on Financial1000.

With this new addition, BitcoinPay Trade looks forward to building new connections and strengthening its presence in the financial services industry, continuing to provide innovative solutions to clients worldwide.

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available on HB Wallet

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to expand its ecosystem and strengthen its position in the global cryptocurrency market. We are delighted to announce that Verum Coin is now available on HB Wallet — a modern, secure, and user-friendly solution for managing digital assets.

HB Wallet provides users with a high level of protection, an intuitive interface, and the ability to execute fast transactions. Now, Verum Coin holders can easily store, send, and receive their assets, taking advantage of this innovative wallet. The integration with HB Wallet opens new horizons for crypto enthusiasts, offering even greater flexibility and convenience in managing their investments.

This news underscores Verum Coin’s commitment to continuous improvement and the expansion of services aimed at providing the most secure and comfortable experience for users around the world.

About Verum Coin

Verum Coin is an innovative cryptocurrency focused on delivering advanced solutions for digital asset management in today’s financial landscape. By continually expanding its ecosystem, Verum Coin makes cryptocurrency transactions more accessible and convenient for users worldwide.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary: A Journey Towards Security, Innovation, and User Trust

Today, Verum Messenger, one of the leading messengers on the market, celebrates its 4th anniversary. Over the years, the app has become a symbol of security, privacy, and innovation in the world of digital communication, and continues to evolve confidently, introducing new features and improving the quality of service.

When Verum Messenger was launched in 2021, its goal was clear — to create a communication platform that puts data security first. Four years later, this messenger has proven that its approach works. The app has not only successfully implemented end-to-end encryption to protect messages but has also offered unique features such as the ability to block screenshots and screen recordings, the built-in Verum VPN service that ensures online anonymity and security, and one-click information clearing within the messenger.

Achievements and Innovations

Over the past four years, Verum Messenger has significantly expanded its capabilities and established itself as one of the most secure messengers. One of the key milestones was the integration of Verum E-SIM, a feature that allows users to connect to mobile internet without the need for a physical SIM card. This was a breakthrough for travelers who value flexibility and anonymity without being dependent on mobile carriers and roaming.

But the most important achievement was the introduction of Verum AI — a generative artificial intelligence developed in-house. This chatbot, integrated into the messenger, provides users with a unique opportunity to interact with an intelligent assistant capable of not only answering questions but also giving recommendations and solving everyday tasks. This feature is one of the first among messengers to offer its own neural network that continually adapts to users’ needs and improves its functionality.

Commitment to Data Security

It is important to note that data security remains the top priority for Verum Messenger. The company has always been dedicated to protecting privacy. In recent years, the app has introduced several improvements aimed at safeguarding users from data breaches and unauthorized access.

Moreover, Verum Messenger continues to develop and enhance its privacy settings, giving users control over who can view their information and who can contact them.

The Future of Verum Messenger

Now, four years after its launch, Verum Messenger is not stopping at its achievements. The company is actively working on new innovations and improvements that will help the messenger remain at the forefront of technology.

“Our users and their right to privacy and security have always been and will remain our top priority. We will continue to work to ensure that Verum Messenger remains the safest and most convenient tool for communication, considering new challenges and technologies,” the development team shares its plans.