If intelligent life exists anywhere else the biggest chance we have of finding anything would be a self sustaining vehicle sent off into space by them at some point. The chances of us being alive at the same time in close enough proximity to encounter each other is almost zero.

If a vessel could wander space endlessly we have a slightly bigger (but still almost zero) chance of encountering it.

Counterpoint, why do dolphins and sharks look so alike when they have a completely different phylogenetic tree? They separately developed traits that were very well suited to the medium of water. Convergent evolution means that it isn't entirely unlikely that whatever we may find has similar traits to beings on earth, because we all exist in a universe of solids, liquids, and gasses.

It's a fair point, but I guess we would recognise them, especially if carbon-based.

Think of another issue. We evolved in 6 million years. Assuming it takes 4 billion for the planet to form and organisms to form, that means there's 8 bln years where civ can start. What's the chance that they are at a similar tech level as us? Really small.

Do you stop to talk to an ant on a field trip?

Area 51 was used for testing prototype stealth vehicles like the B-2 Spirit, get your conspiracy shit outta here.

Area 51 is there so you don't look for area 52.

Well there's your problem, it should be Reese's Pieces.

that's how you catch stoners, not aliens

I don't. But people are acting like one cunt telling a story with no coroboration is a smoking gun. It's not.

That should scare you. “Leader of the free world.” Oy vey. 🤥