Out of the Ordinary

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Documentary series uncovering stories from the left field. Presented by Jolyon Jenkins

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Out of the Ordinary: Series 7: Have we already found aliens?

Have we already found aliens?

Series 7

BBC Radio 4 - Out of the Ordinary, Series 7, Have we already found aliens?

What should scientists do if they come across possible evidence of extraterrestrial life?

Increasingly, astronomers are finding things that they can't explain.  Should they risk their careers and suggest that aliens could be the answer? Jolyon Jenkins investigates

As telescopes get better, astronomers are seeing more and more things in the night sky. Sometimes they can't explain them. Is it unreasonable to suggest that they might have found evidence of alien civilisation, or at least some form of extra-terrestrial life? Call it right and they could get the Nobel prize. Get it wrong and it could be career suicide. Only those at the very end of their career, with a well-established reputation, can afford to take the chance. Jolyon Jenkins reports on some of the cases where scientists have stuck their necks out, and how badly it can go wrong for them if their findings are less robust than they thought. 

Producer: Jolyon Jenkins

Out of the Ordinary: Series 7

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Extraordinary stories of ordinary people on the fringes of so-called normal behaviour.

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Out of the Ordinary

Series 7

Have we already found aliens?

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