The Silence Between the Stars

As Halloween approaches, we drift into one of astronomy’s most haunting questions: if life in the universe is so likely, where is everybody? This week, we explore the famous Fermi Paradox — from Enrico Fermi’s lunchroom question to Frank Drake’s mathematical quest for cosmic company.

Along the way, we revisit humanity’s attempts to speak into the void — the Arecibo Message, the golden records aboard Voyager, and the global volunteer army of SETI@Home. We also consider the possibilities: is the eerie silence a warning, a mystery, or simply a distance too vast for even radio waves to cross?

Plus, your night sky report for October 26 through November 1, 2025 — featuring a first-quarter Moon, Saturn and Jupiter shining bright, Mercury at greatest elongation, and a visit from Comet Lemmon.

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