‘Alien Encounters’: A few sage (and Sagan) thoughts on invasion

When it comes to close encounters, Hollywood is  pretty far off. That’s the take-away from ”Alien Encounters,” a pair of one-hour Science Channel specials that begin Tuesday night at 10 p.m.with ”Alien Encounters: The Message”  and conclude with the March 20 premiere of “Alien Encounters: The Arrival.” Writer and producer Nick Sagan and Jill Tarter of the SETI Institute are among the voices that delve into the discussion of how alien contact might take place and what the scientific, cultural and psychological effects might be for our planet inhabitants. Our Geoff Boucher interviewed Sagan (who is also the son of the famed astronomer Carl Sagan) about the traditional Hollywood spin on flying saucers.