Abstract

Four centuries ago Giordano Bruno hypothesized an infinite cosmos, one without center, everywhere the same. It followed, Bruno insisted, that stars are suns around which circle earthlike planets replete with life. Ever changing, the cosmos was striving to become all that it can be. Refusing to recant his belief in an infinite universe filled with life, Bruno was burned at the stake on February 17, 1600. Four centuries and counting, science has confirmed that the universe is essentially infinite and that stars are indeed distant suns. Extrasolar planets have recently been discovered by the score, and giant NASA space telescopes---already on the drawing boards---may soon detect life on other worlds. A quarter-century since Captain Kirk first stepped onto the bridge of the starship Enterprise, an entire generation of earthlings now believes that intelligent life is prevalent throughout the universe. However, given the vast distances between stars and the assurance by scientists that warp drive is strictly for Hollywood, we are likely to be effectively alone in our little corner of the universe for a long time. We are the flickering flame of local sentience---a small but vital part of the universe that has come to recognize itself. It is our duty to keep this flame alive and to protect Earth's rich heritage of life as we reach outward to Bruno's infinite living cosmos, as we become all that we can be