if we're being observed by an extraterrestrial intelligent species, they may view us as you'd view a virus or disease. any civilization that's capable enough to travel from their own home planet is sufficiently organized, homogeneous in purpose and united to look at our current state of affairs - environmentally, politically, economically - with disbelief and possible horror. if i were an outside observer, i'd doubt the continued existence of those i was watching.

and given intergalactic distances, i'm not sure the travel would be worth the trouble unless you were an anthropologist seeking dysfunctional cultures.

and if their technology is advanced enough to travel between planetary systems, we may not be sophisticated enough to detect their presence with our technology.

i'd take a look but don't touch policy if i were them ;)

nonetheless, an interesting topic and a thoughtful presentation as always! upvoted and resteemed! keep 'em coming. i especially like the illustrations you found. thanx for sharing!