W: We have with us in the studio today, Simon, an astronomer with an organization searching for intelligent life in space. Simon, could you tell us something about it?
M: Yes, of course. We're a scientific organization that started in 1959 to search for radio signals 61 intelligent life in space.
W: So presumably you believe that there is intelligent life in space.
M: No, I wouldn't say I believe that. But there may be intelligent life out there. It's certainly possible. The universe is so vast. Our sun is just one star among billions and it's a fact 62 many stars have their own planets 63 (orbit) around them.
W: Really, I didn't know that.
M: No, we've only recently discovered that.
W: So why are you searching for radio signals?
M: Because the distances in space are so great. 64 is unlikely that other life forms will ever visit us. If they exist, we're 65 (likely) to know from their radio signals.
W: So, you don't believe all those stories about aliens visiting our planet?
M: I'm afraid I don't. There's just no real evidence. But that doesn't mean there isn't other life in 66 universe.
W: If there IS life, what might it be like?
M: Oh, it's hard to say. It might not have a form that we recognize. For example, on a planet 67 gravity is very strong, all life forms could be the size of microbes.
W: Oh, really, fascinating.
M: Even 68 we can't find life on distant stars, we might find simple forms of life in our own solar system. For example, we think there's ice on Mars. And where there's water, there's a possibility of life.
W: That would be exciting. But what about those radio signals? Have you found anything interesting?
M: I can't say we have. But we're going to keep 69 (look).
W: One final question that I've always wanted to ask an astronomer. Scientists now believe that the universe 70 (start) with what's called “the big bang”.
M: Well, we're not 100% certain. But yes, we think that the universe could have begun with a huge explosion about 12 billion years ago.
W: What I've always wanted to know is this: what began “the big bang”? How did it start?
M: Are you asking me if I believe in God? We don't know how “the big bang” started. We just don't know.