Quick thought: aliens vs metal detectors

[4treasures]

As a mega decade-plus reader (much more of a doer than talker-poster), as well as a sci fi fan (some)...a thought...
We struggle to understand, produce, and to master a metal detector that can find even one mineral on our own planet, we often struggle/debate identifying something just 3 inches below our own feet. Think that though a bit, at least into that next paragraph.
If any alien civilization at all bothers with us, which would inevitably SUCK, and I'm pretty sure they won't be wallowing in our mud for specks of gold/whatever (Gold is largely ridiculous overall, except in perceived value...don't get me wrong, I'll take yours if you don't want it ).

Sooo, thoughts...if you were an alien to this planet, what resources would you prioritize, and why? Pick whatever alien scenario you like as long as it's semi-plausable, please. And skip the obvious like water and atmosphere...think a bit outside the box! Go!

 

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[NJearthman]

ACK! ACK! ACK! ACK! ACK! ACK!

 

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[TheGreenBoy]

There is one single reason to visit a planet like the Earth: biodiversity - not something that requires to be concoured by force but rather something that could be copied without our notion.

 

[DizzyDigger]

There is one single reason to visit a planet like the Earth: biodiversity - not something that requires to be conquered by force but rather something that could be copied without our notion.

Providing that their planet is pretty much just exactly like the Earth.
Same atmospheric composition, carbon based life forms, etc. If not, Earths biodiversity could be deadly poisonous to them.

 

[Reulte]

Iridium because, you know, why not?

If they like chlorophyll, they'll love hemoglobin (the human analog of chlorophyll).

Actually, since chemicals are essentially 'everywhere', I suspect they'd want some more complicated chemicals that are NOT universally available. Chemicals in the human body are worth about $600 (I remember when it used to be $1.98... I'm old and there's inflation). However, if you consider those same chemicals as hormones and organs, the price goes up into the millions. A human heart is about $1 million, liver about half that and kidney about a quarter. So, only four organs and we're already up to $2 million... add in the pancreas, lungs, eyes, skin, blood vessels, bones, ligaments...

Maybe even the brain would be useful.

*cue Twilight Zone theme music and the zombipocalypse*

 

[DannyB1954]

Lithium Crystals. intergalactic craft are powered by them. Have you not watched Star Trek? Lol

 

[Electrician819]

As you mentioned, gold is not ridiculous at all. It is a very scarce resource on earth. Gold has many qualities that other metals lack and it is one of the best conductors of electricity on earth. I will go for these resources, and it's not for the lust or value we place on it, just because it's an exceptional element on the periodic table.

 

[metrotec]

Sling shot got it right! You guys joke, for ye know not.
The Sumerian Tablets tell it all. The Annunaki were here and in some form they are still here,
You should enlighten yourself and read the copper tablets, and Sumerian Tablets., the oldest know form of writing, and they will tell you what aliens are doing here.
Genesis: "And there were giants in those days."
G O L D is mentioned in the Bible more than any subject.

 

[Electrician819]

Sling shot got it right! You guys joke, for ye know not.
The Sumerian Tablets tell it all. The Annunaki were here and in some form they are still here,
You should enlighten yourself and read the copper tablets, and Sumerian Tablets., the oldest know form of writing, and they will tell you what aliens are doing here.
Genesis: "And there were giants in those days."
G O L D is mentioned in the Bible more than any subject.

Interesting, I will read on the subject.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Sling shot got it right! You guys joke, for ye know not.
The Sumerian Tablets tell it all. The Annunaki were here and in some form they are still here,
You should enlighten yourself and read the copper tablets, and Sumerian Tablets., the oldest know form of writing, and they will tell you what aliens are doing here.
Genesis: "And there were giants in those days."
G O L D is mentioned in the Bible more than any subject.

Zachariah Sitchen has made a fine living writing books about the
Anunnaki, I've read many and found them interesting, but in truth his
theories have been disproven many times over.

FYI: "Love" is much more common than "gold". In the KJV, gold is
mentioned 361 times, and love is mentioned 422 times. That's all I'll say, as religious discussion is not allowed.

 

[DannyB1954]

Until elements can be created at will, there will be a need to obtain them from where they already are. Depending on the application , a rare earth element, (which really are not all that rare), may be more valuable than gold. It all depends what one is using it for. If you were starving and came across a lump of gold or a cheeseburger, which would you prefer? Whatever their need is, will determine what is desired.

To look at the question differently, if we went to another planet, what would we be looking for? If you came across an unlimited supply of gold, it would then have little real value. Supply and demand create the value.

 

[SD51]

There's Gold in them there skies...

 

[Jeff H]

Seeing that the distances in space are almost too great to comprehend....the closest star is 4.6 light years away.... it's my guess that any aliens that are capable of visiting our planet have had to figure out how to manipulate space/time. And if they have figured out how to do that, they will likely have NO need for anything or care one iota about anyone on this planet. If they do decide to stop here, it would likely be just to make a quick pit stop to relieve themselves on their way to visit their buddies on the other side of the universe. In their minds, earth is just the equivalent of a filthy gas station restroom and humanity is just the dominant breed of cockroaches infesting that restroom.