I think I'm continually excited by everything I learn each day about our universe but the search for life in the Universe has definitely got me giddy. Of course, I'll be happy if we find life even on a microscopic scale because then that poses the question "what else is out there?"
I'd like to think that if we ever stumble upon intelligent life somewhere in the Universe that it will be an amazing and rewarding experience but who is to the say they'll be any different from us in regards to how we treat each other? If you found the first intelligent life in the Universe would you welcome them or see them as a threat?
Craig, I bought "The Physics of Star Trek" not long ago but haven't read it yet. I've been reading Krauss' book "Hiding in the Mirror", I'm really enjoying it so far
I started reading "The Fifth Essence: The Search for Dark Matter in the Universe" but I found it a touch complex and because of that it wasn't really holding my attention. Maybe I'll come back to it in a few years time when I know a bit more about it
Anyway, excuse my rambling...
