The Chasing UFOs team: Erin Ryder, me, and James Fox (left-to-right) interviewing Brigadier Jose Pereira. (Credit: Dave West)
Well, so I’ve gotten a little behind here on the personal blog, life’s unexpected twists and turns being what they are. However, for completeness’s sake, I’m including links to my final two web contributions to the National Geographic Channel’s TV series, “Chasing UFOs.”
Without getting nostalgic, it’s been a heck of a ride. Based on the content of these blogs, I think many would rightfully conclude that much of the scientific angle of the show wasn’t featured in the way I expected or would have preferred. However, having the opportunity to engage – and more specifically – to try and deliver real planetary science content and a critical and logical scientific viewpoint to public discussions of astronomy, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the realities of spaceflight, is something I will forever appreciate.
So, without further ado, for those who might like to delve more deeply into (or simply know more about the science behind) the National Geographic Channel series “Chasing UFOs,” including global thermonuclear war and Brazilian UFOs, misidentified marmosets, upside-down moons, volcanoes and “dirty” lightning, and oil field interlopers from space, look no further!
Episode 7, “Alien Castaways” :
http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2012/08/09/the-science-of-chasing-ufos-alien-castaways/
Episode 8, “Alien Baby Farm” :
http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2012/08/17/the-science-of-chasing-ufos-alien-baby-farm/
Many thanks to everyone who supported me in this project, either directly or indirectly by reading these blogs. My foray into ‘reality TV’ was at the very least an valuable education for me in the realities of TV, and at the end of the day, it was a real kick in the pants. I had the opportunity to interact with a broad cross-section of people from around the world that I would have never had the opportunity to speak with otherwise, and hopefully as a result, at least a few were inspired to look into what we really do know about the night sky and spaceflight, and to wait just a little longer before leaping to the “It’s aliens!” hypothesis. =)
In closing this season out, I say Semper Exploro! – or, “Always Explore!”
Cheers,
Ben
Reblogged this on robert's space and commented:
pls wait for spacex
Hi Ben, contrary to many comments that I read from the ufological community, I would like to felicitate you for the efforts in this field and for having had the curiosity and interest for embarking on dodgy UFO ground. As you have surely realised it is not possible to satisfy anybody, as the supporters can be as demanding as the opponents….extremes are very much present…. Still I like the approach of the show and to go on the ground, and not only moving papers..
Is there going to be another season ? how were the ratings ?
Based in the Netherlands and working at ESA, I still have to watch all the shows, but it has started to be displayed here…
I’m myself after a rational approach of the topic (www.uapreporting.org) and think that there is some room of manoeuver. Based on your experience and having talk to many people, I will be interested to know your scientific views about how we can think about progressing in this field. If some astronomer (Mr Marcy) can attract 200000 USD for trying to detect dyson spheres, why not thinking of designing some equipments down here…
Much to talk about, will send you an invite on FaceBook, and hope to hear from you. Thanks and nice week-end, Cheers, Philippe Ailleris,