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334 Research already has allowed us to better define the ranges of some probabilities, particularly in the astronomical factors. Further work may help us to reduce uncertainty in others, such as the origin of life and the evolution of intelligence. We are searching for a limited sample of the many extraterrestrial civi- lizations that may exist: those emitting active or passive signals we can detect, or those that have left their technological traces in our solar system. One detection would imply a galaxy rich with intelligent beings. No prediction about the timing of contact is reliable, nor can we be sure of its exact circumstances. Our detection of extraterrestrial intelligence could be the serendipitous result of other activities; the first finding may be ambiguous or disputed. We might approach the timing question more modestly by focusing on interim steps, particularly the detection of a habitable world. The new instruments that are to be deployed during the next decade may well reveal an Earth-sized planet in a possible zone of habitability around another star. We might even detect an atmosphere whose composition suggests the pres- ence of life. That would inspire greater optimism about finding extrater- restrial intelligence and expanded efforts to search for it, although it would not be proof that other minds exist. Whewell cautioned us more than a century ago that the discussions in which we are engaged belong to the very boundary regions of science—to the frontier where knowledge (at least astronomical knowledge) ends and ignorance begins.* The only way to lessen our ignorance is to explore our cosmic surroundings in greater detail. The fact that this quest is difficult should not deter our best minds; it is a challenge to their abilities. The search is a test of human intelligence. This quest also requires a generous supply of a currently unfashionable virtue: patience. The search for extraterrestrial intelligence is a project that has to be funded by the century, argued Purcell, not by the fiscal year.’ The reward for patience may be great. Some day, there may be another triumph of observation. The SETI Prize If credit for a discovery is not enough to motivate new searchers, we might consider more material incentives. We could take a page from the space advocacy’s book, encouraging wealthy sponsors to offer a multi- million dollar prize for the first confirmed detection of extraterrestrial intelligence. There could be interim steps. Chris Boyce suggested an annual prize for the most responsible encounter situation presented in a science fiction work—book, story, film, or television show (emphasis added). We might extend that concept to works of scientific speculation. Some Conclusions Drawn