What Do We Do When We Discover Extraterrestrial Aliens?

 We humans have numerous scientific activities currently involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). These include observations of numerous star systems looking for radio signals. as, for example, radar signals like those our airports send into space. The spacecraft we have sent to study the other planets and moons in our solar system have found intriguing hints of microbial life. However, we have yet to find any concrete proof of any life anywhere other than on Earth.

The James Webb Space Telescope can study planets orbiting other stars, searching for potential signs in their atmospheres that might indicate technological presence. Again, we have not yet found any such signs, only possible hints.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. Credit NASA

Most astronomers and other scientists believe it to be just a matter of time before such discoveries are made. What should we do then? Kate Genevieve from the Astro Ecologies Institution led a study that included 13 other researchers from various universities. They believe that previous preparation efforts, including the most recent guidelines, which were developed in 1989 (pre-World Wide Web), are outdated.

The study authors believe we need a detailed plan. NASA and the global scientific community, they say, should prepare for the moment humanity detects signs of extraterrestrial intelligence in the internet age. The research paper states that "a technosignature detection will trigger a complex global process shaped by uncertainty, misinformation, and multiple ideological stakeholders."

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One area of preparation that the study says needs much more research on is how to understand minds that think radically differently from the way humans do. We need to develop "Other Minds" paradigms. Techniques the paper claims we need include studying whale songs and bird navigation to understand communication patterns in non-human entities. Whales, dolphins, and birds represent some of the most intelligent non-primate species on Earth, making studying them a good way to start learning how other intelligences think.

The authors also state that we need research studies on “the psychological, social, and global dynamics of post-detection scenarios.” They suggest analyzing science fiction to learn how different cultures imagine alien contact, giving us insight into how Earthlings as a whole might react, and providing an understanding of expectations and fears.

The team members strongly emphasize the need for strong international coordination of efforts and programs now. A fractured response by different nations could well lead to severe problems.

The paper doesn’t say that detection of extraterrestrial intelligence will occur soon, but it emphasizes that with new technologies like the Webb Space Telescope and the soon-to-be-operational Vera C. Rubin Observatory, such discoveries could come soon. The researchers feel we need to do much more before aliens come calling.

 

    Each month, I write an astronomy-related column for the Oklahoman newspaper. After it is published there, I post that same column to my blog page.

     This is reprinted with permission from the Oklahoman and www.Oklahoman.com.