In a message of 16 Apr 98 CRAIG MEEKINS wrote to LAURIE APPLETON:
 CM> It's just a matter of time
 CM> before final evidence proves either bacteria or single celled life on
 CM> planets or moons in our own solar system, much less our galaxy or our
 CM> universe.  
Have you thought about the conditions required for life to occur 
spontaneously? And the chances of it happening even with the right 
nditions?
If you already know without evidence that there is life out there,  why 
bother looking for it?
 CM> I don't mean to come off like a soap box but please, our
 CM> galaxy is teaming with life, and that includes intelligent life.  And
 CM> it's my belief that other worlds have reached out and touched us.
There is absolutely no reason yet to believe there is any other planet able 
to give rise to or support life. Astronomers are about to start looking for 
the spectral signatures af atmosperic gases that will indicate the presence 
life. I'll wait and see of they find any.
_patrick_                                      (email: 
patrick.ford@amiga.gen.nz) 
             Team *Amiga*
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