The question of whether it is beneficial for humans to venture into space remains a topic of debate. Some may argue that the pressing issues on Earth, such as poverty, climate change, and resource scarcity, should be addressed first before humanity focuses on space exploration. After all, there are numerous problems on our planet that require urgent attention and solutions. However, despite these concerns, the importance of space exploration cannot be dismissed. It represents the potential for humanity to transcend the limits of our planet, seek new knowledge, and extend our understanding of the universe.

Human progress has been defined by our ability to push beyond the boundaries of what is known and to explore new frontiers. It is this curiosity and drive for exploration that have allowed humans to achieve great things. Through technological advancements, humans have learned to travel to places once thought unreachable, both within the Earth's atmosphere and beyond. The ability to fly, sail across oceans, and even submerge beneath the seas has been made possible by the tools and innovations that human intelligence has created. These inventions have enhanced human life in ways unimaginable to earlier generations.

Space exploration, in this sense, is not an exception but a continuation of this human quest for knowledge and advancement. It is a testament to human ingenuity that we are capable of venturing into the unknown, gathering information from outer space, and bringing it back to improve life on Earth. To move forward, it is essential to ask two fundamental questions: how and why are we doing this? If we do not answer these questions, progress will stall, and humanity will not move forward. Our ancestors developed various modes of transportation, from simple carts to modern-day vehicles, making it possible for people to travel easily from one place to another. With machines, we can accomplish tasks both large and small, a feat that was once unthinkable. Thus, it can be said that science and technology are not a curse but rather a blessing. However, when misused, they have the potential to cause destruction. The atomic bomb, for instance, serves as a prime example of science's destructive power when it is employed irresponsibly.

In today's world, science and technology have reached unprecedented heights, and we are yet to discover the full extent of their potential. For example, photography, which has transformed dramatically over the years, took 112 years to reach its current form. The modern telephone, too, took 56 years to develop fully. The radio, another groundbreaking technology, took 35 years to mature. However, the radar technology took only 15 years to develop. As time has passed, the time required to develop new technologies has significantly decreased. The development of color television, for instance, took 12 years, while the creation of the atomic bomb took just 6 years. Today, in the age of mobile phones, a phone and a camera are practically indistinguishable. A mobile phone can now do much more than just make calls and send messages—it can also stream television, play music, and perform numerous other tasks. This rapid pace of technological advancement was not the case in earlier times. Looking ahead, the next 100 years will bring even greater innovations and discoveries.

Human beings have always shown a remarkable ability to overcome challenges, even when faced with the most daunting obstacles. When humanity sets its mind to something, no matter how long it may take, it usually finds a way to accomplish it. Ancient texts suggest that water is meant for fish, the sky for birds, and the Earth for humans. Yet, humans have demonstrated that they are capable of exploring environments that were not originally intended for them—whether it be flying through the skies, diving deep into the oceans, or even venturing into space. The ability to create technologies like airplanes, submarines, and spaceships to explore these realms is a testament to human creativity and intellect.

Nevertheless, there remains a pertinent question: What exactly is humanity searching for in space? Why is so much money being spent on space exploration? The reason is that, over the next 50 to 60 years, the Earth's population is expected to grow exponentially, bringing with it an array of challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is the possibility of food shortages, which could result in humans being forced to rely on alternative sources of nourishment, such as insects or plants. Hunger and thirst may become widespread, leading to suffering and, in some cases, death.

It has already been proven that food production and population growth are not complementary—there is not enough food on Earth to sustain the current and future population. In an attempt to manage this situation, scientists have been exploring various ways to artificially induce rainfall and using different chemicals to boost crop yields. Yet, despite these efforts, the situation continues to worsen. Moreover, science has also developed medications to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but these are not always used in developing countries where large families are still considered essential for social reasons. If the birth rate is not reduced, the world will face dire consequences, including widespread hunger, which could threaten human civilization.

Given this scenario, it is not difficult to imagine a future where humanity will need to find a new home beyond Earth. This quest will be crucial not only for the survival of future generations but also for the continued progress of our species. Some might question the spending on space exploration when so many issues on Earth remain unresolved. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that developed nations often invest in space programs not just for scientific advancement but also for geopolitical and economic gains. The desire to dominate space technology and establish markets in space is a driving force behind such investments.

In countries like India, billions of dollars worth of food are wasted annually due to rats and other pests. However, the effort to control this problem is minimal, and the issue often gets entangled with religious beliefs, further hindering any practical solutions. Additionally, India has a large population of cows, many of which do not receive adequate nutrition and therefore cannot produce milk. This situation, too, is tied to cultural and religious practices that prioritize cows over more practical concerns. The nation's development has been hindered by these deeply ingrained traditions, and it will take many generations for these issues to be addressed effectively.

Despite these challenges, technology is advancing rapidly in India as well. People are connecting with one another, and new technologies are emerging to solve some of the most pressing problems. Nevertheless, space exploration remains essential. Developing space programs and advancing our knowledge of space will help us understand how we might one day leave Earth, should that become necessary. Technological progress is the key to understanding this future, and space exploration is a critical part of that journey. It is through space programs that we will uncover the truths about our place in the universe and, ultimately, the fate of our planet.

While we know a great deal about each other and about life on Earth, there is still so much more to learn about our planet and the universe beyond it. To deepen our understanding of Earth, we must venture into space. If governments were to invest more in space programs and present them as an essential field of study, public interest might grow, and more minds would be drawn to the field. It is possible that space exploration could yield discoveries that benefit humanity in unexpected ways.

For example, we do not know exactly how the sun was formed, but we do know that it had a beginning, and it will eventually have an end. The question of when that will happen remains unanswered, and to learn more about this, we must look beyond our planet. Space exploration is not just about discovering new planets or resources; it is about understanding the fundamental truths of the universe and our place within it. The answers to these questions may be crucial for the survival of humanity, and that is why space exploration is so vital for the future of our species.

The term "UFO" (Unidentified Flying Object) is a word everyone is familiar with, and for the past 50 years, we have been hearing about it. It is often said that conducting space research is an expensive endeavor, and no country can afford it. It is true that space research may not always provide direct benefits, but its advantages are realized when specific outcomes from such research directly help us. The real benefit is evident when this research proves successful.

Most life-saving machines, such as those used in hospitals, are imported from the United States. Do you know why? Because of the advancements in space research carried out by America. The United States is the primary producer of breathing machines because, due to their space research, they understand how and when humans might struggle with breathing, and how such conditions can be treated.

In addition to this, the United States developed a machine used by doctors to measure heartbeats. Today, millions of people around the world are alive because of this machine. It is a small, battery-powered device that is implanted inside the body. It emits a small electrical current to stimulate the heart to beat, and after three years when the battery is depleted, the device is replaced in a simple surgical procedure.

Car manufacturers were also intrigued by how astronauts land on the Moon without sustaining any damage. The Honeycomb sheet, which is lightweight yet strong, is used in spacecraft. This material has been incorporated into the design of vehicles as well, inspired by the space technology that protects astronauts from harm during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

Anyone who is aware of the pace at which space research is progressing today would likely agree that the day is not far off when humans will be able to travel from one planet to another. The children of today will witness this reality in their lifetime.

Now, let’s talk a bit about UFOs. The term UFO was first recorded in the United States and West Germany, although it is possible that people saw similar phenomena before, but these sightings weren't documented in the way they have been more recently. Many people believe in the truth of UFO sightings, while others dismiss them as myths. If we say that the UFOs were nothing but balloons, or lights on kites, or clouds that were unusually low, or research on new aircraft by governments, it could be true. However, people witnessed something that wasn’t there before. And we cannot deny that certain individuals, like journalists, often publish sensational stories to increase newspaper sales.

If a common housewife says she saw a UFO, we might dismiss it as a figment of her imagination. Similarly, if a farmer claims to have seen a UFO, we might question his credibility as well. However, if a pilot reports seeing a UFO, would we still dismiss it? Pilots are trained to distinguish between balloons, clouds, and other flying objects, and they even undergo alcohol testing before flying. If one pilot reports a UFO sighting, we might be skeptical. But what if multiple pilots report the same phenomenon? Would we still refuse to believe it?

There have been several documented incidents that support the idea that UFOs have been sighted by people:

On February 5, 1965, the U.S. government announced that a special division had been set up to investigate UFO reports, including one where two radar operators claimed to have seen a UFO.

On January 29, 1965, two radar operators at the Naval Airfield in Maryland reported seeing two unidentified flying objects resembling balloons. These objects were flying at a speed of 4,350 miles per hour.

On May 3, 1964, many people in Canberra, Australia, observed several flying objects in the sky in the early morning. When NASA questioned the witnesses, it was revealed that large objects appeared to shrink, while smaller ones grew larger. The smaller UFOs blinked red, and the larger ones slowly disappeared.

On November 23, 1953, a UFO was detected on the radar of the Kinross Air Base in Michigan. A fighter jet, an F-86, piloted by Flight Lieutenant R. Wilson, was sent to intercept the UFO. Wilson chased the UFO for about 160 miles. Suddenly, the two UFOs merged into one, which was also observed on the radar screen. Contact with Wilson was lost, and further investigations in the area near Lake Superior yielded no results other than oil, and there was no trace of Wilson or his aircraft.

On September 13, 1965, in Exeter, New Hampshire, a police officer, Sergeant Eugene Bertrand, encountered an elderly woman near her car who claimed that a UFO had lifted her up and carried her for about ten miles before dropping her in the woods near Route 101. Initially, the officer did not believe her, but soon after, he learned that others had experienced similar encounters. Another officer, Gene Toland, also reported seeing a man who had been abducted by a UFO.

While investigating the area, the police discovered that six horses had been mysteriously killed. After searching for two hours, they noticed that the area was bathed in a soft red light. They observed a large object in the sky, radiating red light, coming towards them. This incident was reported to Toland over the phone, and soon, the red light had spread to several areas. Another police car arrived, and the officer named Dave, who had been listening to the conversation on the radio, also confirmed the strange phenomena. He had originally thought it was a hoax but soon realized it was true.

The investigation into this event involved 58 witnesses who confirmed the bizarre occurrences. A comprehensive report was compiled, but the true nature of the UFO remains a mystery to this day.

These are just a few instances among many where UFO sightings have been recorded by credible witnesses, and the question of whether UFOs are real continues to intrigue people across the globe. Though skepticism remains, the growing number of reports from pilots, military personnel, and ordinary civilians suggest that there might be more to UFO sightings than mere coincidence or misidentification. Whether these objects are extraterrestrial in origin or simply advanced human-made technology is a question that remains unanswered, but the fascination with UFOs continues to captivate our imagination.

On May 5, 1967, Monsier Malliette, the mayor of the small town of Marliens in the Côte d'Or region, came across an unusual sight near the Field of Clover. Around 680 yards from the road, he noticed a strange pit that was approximately 15 feet wide and about 3 feet deep. It appeared as though a large machine had dug this hole. At the bottom of the pit, there was another smaller hole, about 1 foot and 2 inches deep. The soil inside the pit was another peculiar feature: it was a mixture of purple and white dirt that was not typical for the area. This strange discovery sparked curiosity and raised questions about its origins.

Just a few months later, on November 6, 1967, a television program aired in Germany titled Invasion from the Cosmos. In this broadcast, Lufthansa Airways Captain and six other witnesses shared their experiences of seeing unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the sky. According to the Captain, on February 15, 1967, just 10 to 15 minutes before landing in San Francisco, he and his crew observed a flying object that was traveling alongside their aircraft. The Captain reported this sighting to a university in Colorado, but their response suggested that it was just a piece of a rocket falling to Earth. However, the Captain disagreed, as it was impossible for a rocket fragment to stay airborne for nearly 15 minutes before falling to the ground.

This event led to two more reports, published by the Die Süddeutsche Zeitung in Munich on November 21 and 23, 1967. These reports detailed sightings of UFO-like objects across Europe. One report from Belgrade mentioned numerous flying saucers in the sky, with photographs taken by a photographer in Agram, which confirmed that the phenomena were not typical. The reports also mentioned sightings from Montenegro, where UFOs were believed to have possibly caused forest fires. Authorities confirmed that fires had indeed occurred in the forests, but they could not determine the cause. Locals in the nearby village of Ivangrad reported strange events over the past few days, adding to the mystery surrounding the sightings.

Another report came from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, where a UFO was seen flying over the city. According to a local news agency, this UFO could be seen with the naked eye and appeared to change shape as it hovered in the sky. Some witnesses even claimed to have seen rays emanating from it. The object was said to be flying at an altitude of about 18 miles above the ground, powered by its own energy. Many people observed the object through telescopes, adding credibility to the claims. However, some individuals were reluctant to accept the possibility of UFOs, and some bizarre claims emerged, such as people insisting that they had communicated with aliens or that they had received blessings from the UFOs. These reports were tied to different religious beliefs, as people interpreted the event through their own cultural lenses.

In 1967, the Seventh International UFO Researcher’s Day was celebrated, where Professor Herman Oberth, often called the "Father of Space Travel," spoke about the mystery of UFOs and aliens. He described them as a puzzle for science, but he also saw potential for learning from them, as these objects could be from another dimension. Professor Oberth encouraged serious scientific inquiry into the subject. However, many scientists remained skeptical, rejecting the idea of UFOs and aliens as plausible subjects of study. They refused to adopt new perspectives and continued to view the phenomena from a single, narrow viewpoint.

On November 17, 1967, the Die Zeit newspaper published an article titled "Second Thoughts," in which it was reported that for years, the Russian public had mocked UFO sightings in America. However, the tone changed when the Soviet Union admitted the possibility of UFOs. General Anatolyi Stolyakov was appointed as the Director for UFO-related matters in the Soviet Air Force, marking a shift in the official stance towards UFO phenomena.

One notable event in the history of UFO sightings occurred on July 30, 1908, in Siberia, where at 7:17 a.m., a fireball appeared in the sky and then disappeared into the atmosphere. The explosion from this event was heard as far as 621 miles away. This was later linked to the Tunguska event, which was one of the most significant unexplained phenomena in the early 20th century.

By 1921, Professor Kulik began gathering evidence on the Tunguska event, continuing his investigations into the cause of the explosion. Over time, he received funding for his research, which he conducted in the Taiga region, an area with a low population density. In 1927, the research team reached the site of the explosion, and they believed they had found remnants of a meteorite. However, they soon realized they were mistaken, as they discovered trees that had been knocked down, with some missing their tops. The closer they got to the explosion site, the more barren the landscape became, with trees looking like telephone poles, devoid of leaves. The team continued their excavation, digging up to 18 feet deep in search of evidence, but found nothing that could confirm the meteorite theory.

In 1961 and 1963, two more expeditions were sent to the area by the Soviet Academy of Sciences. These expeditions used more modern equipment and concluded that the explosion was not caused by a meteorite but by a nuclear explosion. The levels of radioactivity in the area were high, and the trees that had been burned in the explosion were found to have green leaves, which would not normally catch fire unless exposed to significant radiation, with levels ranging between 70 and 100. The light from the explosion was so intense that it could be seen from 124 miles away.

Through extensive research, scientists concluded that the Tunguska event was not the result of a meteorite impact but rather a nuclear explosion. The explosion had been engineered in such a way that it resembled the impact of a meteorite when viewed from a distance. This revelation added to the growing body of evidence pointing to the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena, further fuelling the debate about the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors or advanced technology from another world.

In conclusion, the events of 1967, particularly the UFO sightings, the reports from various countries, and the ongoing research into the Tunguska explosion, all point toward a growing recognition of phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation. The year 1967 marked a significant point in the history of UFO research, with increasing public interest and the involvement of governments and scientific communities in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos. While the true nature of these phenomena remains unclear, the curiosity and investigation into these unexplained events have only intensified over time.

In March 1964, a very famous newspaper, "Svesda," published a story claiming that the inhabitants of the Cygnus system wanted to make contact with Earth. The two authors of this claim, Genrich Altov and Valentina Shuraleva, argued that an explosion that occurred in the Taiga region of Siberia was caused by a volcanic eruption in the Indian Ocean in 1883, when the Krakatoa volcano erupted. The shockwaves from this eruption, they suggested, spread through the cosmos and caused confusion among aliens, leading them to release a laser wave into the universe, which, in turn, triggered the explosion. However, there were no strong reasons to believe these claims, and many found them to be dubious.

To understand and explain this matter, many scientists offered their perspectives, yet the most intriguing aspect of the situation is that the area continues to show radioactivity, which has been steadily increasing since 1908. The cause of this increased radioactivity is still unknown. Moreover, it's clear that our knowledge of our solar system remains far from complete. For instance, Mars is the only planet where life may potentially exist. Humanity has defined the boundaries of life, and according to current understanding, life can exist either on Earth, Venus, or Mars. Until 1962, Venus was considered to be a second Earth, but later research revealed that life cannot survive there.

Reports from the Mariner 2 spacecraft indicated that Venus' surface temperature was 420 degrees Celsius, both in the sunlit and dark areas. This temperature suggests that liquid water is impossible, and it's likely that rivers of molten metal may exist on Venus' surface. Currently, scientists are continuing research on Mars, and there is hope that they might discover some evidence of life there.

Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos. These moons were discovered in 1877 by an American astronomer, and they are named after the Greek gods of fear and terror. The names reflect the sense of mystery and curiosity surrounding the red planet.

Laputan astronomers, who dedicated most of their lives to studying these celestial bodies, didn't have access to modern telescopes. Yet, they devised certain techniques that enabled them to observe distant stars clearly. As a result, they were able to make discoveries about planets faster than other astronomers, though their research on stars was minimal.

In 1966, Russian scientist I.S. Shklovskii and American astronomer Carl Sagan published a book titled "Intelligent Life in the Universe." In it, they proposed a controversial theory: the Moon, which was believed to be a natural satellite, could in fact be hollow and an artificial satellite created by Earth’s inhabitants. At the time, many dismissed this idea as a joke, but today, with the advanced research tools available, people are beginning to take these claims more seriously.

Regarding Mars, it is also suggested that an advanced civilization once existed on the planet. However, the burning question remains: where is this civilization now? Did they abandon their home planet? Scientists hypothesize that a massive asteroid or meteor strike may have destroyed the life forms there, leading to the extinction of the Martian civilization. This has led to a never-ending debate about the existence of extraterrestrial life forms, a debate that will continue until concrete evidence is found.

Exploration of Mars and other planets in our solar system has been a significant focus of human scientific effort, driven by the questions of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe and if humanity can ever make contact with it. The stories of explosions and alien encounters, such as the one suggested in Siberia in 1964, contribute to the ongoing intrigue and speculation, fueling the human desire to understand the cosmos and our place within it.

It is worth noting that many of these discussions, while speculative, are rooted in a genuine scientific curiosity about the unknown. The discoveries and advancements in space exploration have opened new frontiers in our understanding of the universe. With each new piece of information, scientists draw closer to uncovering the mysteries of life beyond Earth, whether on Mars, Venus, or other distant worlds.

As research in astrobiology progresses, the question of whether life can exist elsewhere in the universe is becoming more pressing. The search for life on Mars is ongoing, with missions such as NASA’s Perseverance rover collecting samples and searching for signs of ancient life on the planet’s surface. The discovery of even the smallest trace of life, whether microbial or more complex, would be a monumental breakthrough in our understanding of the universe.

Moreover, the notion of an artificial satellite, like the one proposed by Shklovskii and Sagan, has sparked renewed interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations having influenced or even engineered certain cosmic phenomena. This theory, though once ridiculed, now finds its place in the realm of scientific discussion as our capabilities for space observation have advanced significantly.

The debate about the existence of alien life and the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations is far from over. With every new discovery and every new theory, humanity comes closer to answering one of the most profound questions of all: Are we alone in the universe? As technology continues to evolve and space exploration reaches new heights, we may one day find the definitive evidence that answers this question, whether it comes from Mars, Venus, or beyond. Until then, the search for answers continues, with each discovery fueling our curiosity and drive to explore the cosmos.