I'm not sure whether space travel will ever improve enough for us to pay this planet a visit; however, I do wonder how we "earthlings" would react to contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. Could our human institutions handle such a profound shock to our worldview? I don't know.

20 light years seems so close....this planet could be a wonderful place for us to visit someday.

Here's a math question: If technology continues to grow at the speed of light, what is the equation to measure how much time is required until the human race has the technology to visit places like this second Earth?

I want to go!

Jules

There's also the delicate issue of "Temperature-Slot" to allow for organic-life chemistry the opportunity to remain active.

Our local slot for life on earth is so narrow, that our nearest planet, Venus, is far too extreme to allow for this chemistry.

Girl's question raises the issue of advanced technology to support life on such planet. This is a very tough mark to estimate, because it calls for some major breakthrough solutions, which are, by definition, quantum leaps in progress, so this is not about some linear progress scale.

As to your extrapolation on human culture's reaction to an alien civilisation I would bet, that we, being the notorious opportunists that we are, soon adept to take advantage of.

As to the alien's ambitions, and opportunity-scope on humans, this must remain unknown. I think the human-take on this, is largely based on human experience, inspired by war, colonisation, slavery, treasure expedition, and mineral-prospecting.

For example: 'War Of The Worlds', was probably inspired by the juice-extraction industry, while 'Independence Day' was probably inspired by WW2.

In other words: Exophobia must first be wiped between humans, in order to relax it in front of real aliens.

Now that's what I'm talking about.... Why ? Why not ? I say bring it !! I will be on the lookout for more info thanks !!

more data. Sorry folks, not on Gleise C. Maybe D though.

What's with your new avatar Charles, are you trying to resemble Hawking?

I know I was trying to combine my favour to the Cat Marx Brothers.

Was it worth the effort, the makeup, the photo-op, the sleepless nights?

Yes. Every bit of it.

Only now I don't know how to get rid of my virtual persona, since it has an existence of it's own, in other people's mind and out of my thought-to-be-so-tight control

Should I just zip it , and call it a day?

20 light years is still a long distance to confirm any thing we earthlings are interested to have , earth like climate and atmosphere compatible to support earth creatures ......as far as our technology is considered .