If either of these topics peaks your interest I just read a really good write up here:

https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/articles/resolving-the-fermi-paradox-r3162

Very well thought out, coherent, logically presented, and I agree with most all of it. Even if you do not agree there is much here to tickle the fancies of any space nerd. Enjoy, nerds 🙂

…I have always (well since I learned enough to actually have an informed thought) felt that the sheer vastness of the universe, and the sheer number of galaxies, hosting innumerable stars, each with a high probabilty of planets, means it is highly improbable that technological intelligence such as ours, developed only here and nowhere else. Also the incredible distances between all points in this universe, with all sorts of radiation, the ever present danger of the vacuum of space, micrometeorites, as well as all sort of unforseen hazards in the way, and the lack of light speed capabilities makes it highly unlikely we will ever be able to confirm or truly deny the existence of an ETI.

Nevermind the fact that even if we had light speed technology it would take many generations of our species to travel any meaningful distance. Thereby diminishing any real possibilities of discovery of said ETI.

I sure am glad, in the meantime, we have sci-fi.