Synopsis
The basic event around which Heaven at SETI s Door Step is woven concerns an alien signal detected by SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence); A signal patiently awaited for over the 40 or so years the Institute had been in existence. Though the signal lasted only for a few minutes, the cutting edge technology available, expert capability and sheer perseverance of the dedicated people at the institute results in successful tracing of the signal's origin. Most surprisingly, it did not turn out to be from a distant part of the cosmos as one might have expected. The collaborative efforts of SETI institute and NASA lead to the deployment of ingenious scientific exploration methods including the use of several reconnaissance satellites and remotely controlled landing probes. A cautious initial spying on the lives of the aliens leads to reassurance and establishment finally of an extremely friendly relationship with them. The answer to the question Are we alone in the Universe? had multifaceted implications for the world community socially and psychologically. As the entire population became passionately interested in this rare discovery of alien life, SETI came under intense pressure over the management of a plethora of socio-political issues and the release of information as well. A startling discovery also puzzled the SETI scientists - the aliens believed in a heaven, but unlike the believers on earth these aliens had actually seen their heaven. Would this fact help to strengthen ties between the aliens and humans? the unpredictable outcome forms the concluding event of the story.
About the Author
Shelton Ranasinghe a Sri Lankan engineer commenced his professional career in 1973 working initially at major civil engineering sites in Sri Lanka and Nigeria. In 1990 he settled down in Australia and specialized in environmental engineering & management and was involved in many contaminated site-remediation projects in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, UK and USA. He now lives in Ohio State in USA. From a very young age he has been a keen follower of philosophy, religions, anthropology, nature and social behavior. The exposure he acquired living in five continents over a large part of his active working life combined with his temperament of reflection, has given him a unique and intimate understanding of the multi-hued canvas that is humanity. With the humility and very fine sense of balance endowed on him by his sympathetic view of various cultures, social behavior patterns and belief systems he has encountered, he now ventures to crystallize his thoughts. He has already published a booklet on Buddhist philosophy named Buddha Impetus to Primitive psyche - an effort that can be described as frank, refreshingly unforced and thought provoking. This next effort is a work of science fiction titled Heaven at SETI s Doorstep . Readers of this book will however perceive many complex overtones that elevate the scope of this book way above and beyond its albeit quite interesting sci-fi content.
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