Extraterrestrial intelligence...contact jittters

"Are We Ready for Contact with Extraterrestrial Intelligence?"

May 6Tth,  2014

astrobilology web

The Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project is an initiative that began in the 70s with funding from NASA, but that has evolved towards the collaboration of millions of Internet users for the processing of data from the Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico), where space tracking is carried out.

Now the members of this controversial project are trying to go further and not only search for extraterrestrial signs, but also actively send messages from Earth (Active SETI) to detect possible extraterrestrial civilizations. Astrophysicists, such as Stephen Hawking, have already warned of the risk that this implies for humanity, since it could favor the arrival of beings with more advanced technology and dubious intentions.

The ethical and sociological implications of this proposal have been analyzed by the neuro-psychologist Gabriel G. de la Torre, professor at the University of Cádiz and participant in previous projects such as Mars 500 or space psychology topical team project financed by the European Space Agency, who wonders: "Can such a decision be taken on behalf of the whole planet? What would happen if it was successful and 'someone' received our signal? Are we prepared for this type of contact?"

To answer these questions, the professor sent a questionnaire to 116 American, Italian and Spanish university students. The survey assessed their knowledge of astronomy, their level of perception of the physical environment, their opinion on the place that things occupy in the cosmos, as well as religious questions -- for example, "do you believe that God created the universe?" -- or on the likelihood of contact with extraterrestrials.

The results, published in the journal 'Acta Astronautica', indicate that, as a species, humanity is still not ready for trying to actively contact a supposed extraterrestrial civilization, since people lack knowledge and preparation. For this reason, SETI researchers are recommended in this study to look for alternative strategies.

"This pilot study demonstrates that the knowledge of the general public of a certain education level about the cosmos and our place within it is still poor. Therefore, a cosmic awareness must be further promoted -- where our mind is increasingly conscious of the global reality that surrounds us -- using the best tool available to us: education," De la Torre emphasized. "In this respect, we need a new Galileo to lead this journey."

It was deduced from the questionnaires, which will soon be available to everyone on line, that university students and the rest of society lack awareness on many astronomical aspects, despite the enormous progress of science and technology. It also revealed that the majority of people consider these subjects according to their religious belief and that they would rely on politicians in the event of a huge global-scale crisis having to be resolved.

"Regarding our relation with a possible intelligent extraterrestrial life, we should not rely on moral reference points of thought, since they are heavily influenced by religion. Why should some more intelligent beings be 'good'?," added the researcher, who believes that this matter should not be monopolized by a handful of scientists: "In fact, it is a global matter with a strong ethical component in which we must all participate."

Aliens...might want to reconsider

Abstract...

The possibility that extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs) could be hostile to humanity has been raised as a reason to avoid even trying to contact ETIs. However, there is a distinct shortage of analytical discussion about the risks of an attack, perhaps because of an implicit premise that we cannot analyze the decision making of an alien civilization. This paper argues that we can draw some inferences from the history of the Cold War and nuclear deterrence in order to show that at least some attack scenarios are likely to be exaggerated. In particular, it would seem to be unlikely that the humanity would be attacked simply because it might, some time in the future, present a threat to the ETI. Even if communication proves to be difficult, rational decision-makers should avoid unprovoked attacks, because their success would be very difficult to assure. In general, it seems believable that interstellar conflicts between civilizations would remain rare. The findings advise caution for proposed interstellar missions, however, as starfaring capability itself might be seen as a threat. On the other hand, attempting to contact ETIs seems to be a relatively low-risk strategy: paranoid ETIs must also consider the possibility that the messages are a deception designed to lure out hostile civilizations and preemptively destroy them.

"MAD with aliens? Interstellar deterrence and its implications" by Janne M. Korhonen

"Mankind's uniqueness" poll

Well, the poll results were expected: 17 [68%] hold the position that mankind is not the only intelligent life form in the universe, 7 [28%] voted that mankind will never know, and 3 [12%] believe that mankind is unique being the only intelligent life form.

All of these positions are difficult to scientifically and logically support and falls primarily in the realm of cosmology, philosophy, theological faith. I suppose one can trace this interest back to the likes of Carl Sagan and the famous Drake Equation. Time and money has been spent to find intelligent life...and failed. The quest to find stellar companions is strong [especially when religion fails]. The sobering reality is that conformation will be impossible. Companions and/or saviours are just unprovable.

SETI

Drake Equation


Human condition--ultimate loneliness?

"little green men" in the crosshairs again

Purpose in the universe

SETI--ultimate loneliness?

UFOs and foreign invasions [Earthly kind]

"little green men" in the crosshairs again

"Dreamland Design"

by

Jilaen Sherwood

That's fine...they can chase "little green men" all they want--as long as it doesn't rely on government funding. It appears that money and research could be better directed.

"SETI Astronomer Envisions Technology Capable of Receiving ET Signals by 2032"

November 14th, 2008

PhysOrg.com

SETI, (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Senior Astronomer Seth Shostak and host of the weekly radio show "Are We Alone," predicted during a recent conference in San Francisco that "We'll find ET within two-dozen years", according to CNET News staffer Daniel Terdiman.

The prediction is based on a few qualifiers. The first is the assumption made by researchers within SITI that the power, range and speed of the Allen Telescope Array with 42 radio camera dishes currently on line and a projected total of 350 dishes will evolve into new technologies capable of distances and speed unfathomable presently. Secondly, an obvious component is necessary funding for evolving technologies.

The current Allen Telescope Array , (ATA) was made possible by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft making a $25-million donation to SETI. Mr Allen flipped the go- switch in 2007 for the initial 42 radio-camera dishes phase. Since that time ATA has produced amazing images, including atomic hydrogen disposition, heretofore stifled by a lack of exactitude. The completed project will include a total of 350 separate dishes and collectively may act as one virtual dish spanning 2700 miles across. Further funding for ATA is critically needed.

Jill Tarter an astronomer and Director of the Center for SETI Research refers to mankind´s search for extraterrestrial intelligence as a "Cosmic Needle-In-A-Haystack." Her work in the field spans 40-years and includes the Project Phoenix.

Director Jill Tarter believes based on the current evidence that we are currently in the early phase of discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence in the universe. Tarter was drawn into the field over 40-years ago by the work of Frank Drake an astronomer who created a mathematical equation which factored in a series of variables critical for life as we know it. He concluded that given his mathematical model there is a strong likelihood that somewhere in the cosmos there is life and we on Earth are not alone.

ATA's current capability is about 1,000 stars that can be viewed simultaneously. The next decade will allow researchers to view up to a million stars at once. According to Dr. Shostak the current Allan Telescope Array can capture millions of frequencies. Researchers work seven days per week in shifts covering 24-hours a day.

The radio frequency room houses advanced fiber optics and equipment which allows researchers to monitor 100-million channels with the capability to move up to an additional 100-million channels. According to Shostak, We know technology, by virtue of Moore's Law, will continue to increase exponentially and may within a decade make obsolete the capacity of the massive Allen Telescope Array.

Since the inception of the radio over 100-years ago, Earth has been leaking radio frequencies upward into the universe light years away. The scope, speed and range of ATA and yet to be developed technologies can boost Earth's capacity way beyond this infant stage. The new technologies are referred to as a SITI hot rod with the ability to view millions of stars simultaneously mega-light years away from Earth.


Fred Hoyle--cosmologist

Human condition--ultimate loneliness?

No government funding for SETI!

Philip Morrison...physicist

SETI--ultimate loneliness?

UFOs and foreign invasions [Earthly kind]

No government funding for SETI!

Arecibo Observatory
Puerto Rico

Sorry, I have to display a thumbs down on any government financing for the SETI project and the use of the radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico--direct or indirect. NASA slowly pulled out of the project starting in 2001. The operation is part of Cornell University and performs many other functions other than the SETI project. As you know SETI stands for "Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" and to date, after sending messages, there has been no response. I see no value spending precious government funds on a project of little value especially when one starts to calculate the time lapse involved in dialogue...one case being 25,000 years. Now the National Science Foundation is involved in this and that is where the government funding gets involved. The NSF also funds other Cornell/Arecibo Observatory projects. That's fine. But cease the government funding for a project that has no value. Private donations should be sufficient from those interested.

SETI

SpaceRef.com:

The plea from SETI...

"Save Arecibo Observatory"

Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest radio telescope and the source for the SETI@home data that your computer analyzes, faces massive budget cuts that will END its ability to continue the search for life beyond Earth. The decision to ensure full funding currently rests upon votes in Congress on Senate Bill S. 2862 and House Resolution H.R. 3737. These bills desperately need more support.

Please take a moment to help us SAVE ARECIBO.

Clicking the link below will direct you to a web page that allows you print out letters prepared for your Senators and Congressional Representative urging them to support Arecibo. Printing and mailing the letters is really easy, too! You will also have the chance to add a few personal thoughts, if you wish, to let your Senators and Representative know why this funding is important to you! And if you're really feeling passionate about saving Arecibo, please use these letters as the basis for letters you write yourself, urging your congressmen and women to vote to save Arecibo.

Because our representatives in Congress rarely give much attention to all the email they receive, printing out and MAILING these letters via standard U.S. Postal mail remains our best option for contacting them and our best hope for saving Arecibo (The second best option is to call your representatives). Your 42 cent stamps on these letters could help us get the millions of dollars needed to save Arecibo.

Our search cannot continue without the necessary support. Your work, as SETI@home participants, represents an indispensable resource for conducting the search. Now, we need your help to ensure that our other most valuable resource - our eyes and ears to the cosmos - can continue to probe the universe as we seek to answer the question: Is there anybody out there?


Thank you for your help,

The SETI@home Team



Arecibo Observatory--Wikipedia

Fred Hoyle--cosmologist

Fred Hoyle was one of those pre-Carl Sagan individuals that attempted to bridge the gap between science and the general population, proposed an explanation for the origin of elements heavier than hydrogen ["nucleosynthesis"], and offered the cosmological hypothesis of the "steady state" universe as contrasted to the "big bang" hypothesis. His relationship with orthodox cosmology was a mixed bag with the "nucleosynthesis" and "steady state" concepts--one accepted and one untenable in light of identification of the "back ground radiation" thus supporting the expanding/"big bang" idea. It is unfortunate that Fred Hoyle in later life should be labeled a crank scientist whose company included Immanuel Velikovsky. Extrapolation of the "nucleosynthesis" idea to include bacteria ridding stellar dust particles and thus allowing dispersion of life throughout the universe ["panspermia"], devastating diseases dispersed in the same manner, evolution was to intricate to happen naturally and thus the result of some alien consciousness--all threw him into the crackpot category. Exaggerated eccentricities are not uncommon among high profile scientists: Carl Sagan's SETI or Stephen Hawking's promotion of genetic engineering to thwart errant global minded robots. I think his contributions far outweigh the "crackpot" label and should be considered mere eccentricities--the wheat can be extracted from the chaff.


Interview

Sir Fred hoyle

Sir Fred Hoyle (1915-2001)


Obituary


Free book:

Frontiers Of Astronomy

Sir Hermann Bondi--steady state universe

SETI--ultimate loneliness?

I am glad that it isn't sponsored by a government institution and that it remains in the realm of private enterprise. SETI --an appendage of modern mythology? Certainly mankind would like to know if we are alone in the universe--something truly unique. And we would like to have a glimpse into the fate of our species. We would like to know the purpose of the universe and mankind's role...a plan or just a freak occurrence.

NASA and SETI:

Here is some background material of NASA's involvement with the SETI program before funding from congress curtailed the relationship.

"Searching For Good Science: The Cancellation Of NASA's Seti Program"

"The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Seti"

"PROJECT ORION: A Design Study of a System for Detecting Extrasolar Planets"

"LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE"

SETI commands a huge public interest--over two million hits a month at their web site. Popularity waxes and wanes. Nothing has been discovered regarding alien intelligence. It is estimated that only one billionth of the universe has been investigated. It is interesting to note that time is slipping away for the universe is expanding rapidly and thus decreasing our odds of communication. Also consider that even if we discern some significant radio signal, say something from a star system 50 light years away, the signal is 50 years old. Imagine setting up meaningful dialogue that require 100 years for two messages:

Year 2050--

"Hi. We are from...."

Year 2150---

"Hello there. We are from..."

Tedious and nearly worthless other than knowing someone else was out there 50 years past. And all of that based on the ability to even decipher the radio signal. But even knowledge of the presence of another intelligent life form would certainly alter much of mankind's philosophy.

Even Freeman Dyson has chimed in on SETI. He has offered a wager: "The first discovery of extraterrestrial life will be someplace other than on a planet or on a satellite of a planet"--that contact with other beings will most likely be via probes instead of our usual perception of alien contact. He may be correct. Consider Voyager1's plunge into deep space. The only drawback is that data [conversation of you like] will be so outdated that the species involved may have expired.

"Dyson's Long Shot"

A corresponder wrote:

"I think it is worthwhile even if it only confirms life out there, it would be profound. As you say, the possibility of two-way communication seems remote with few exceptions. Our first contact is likely to be someone's earlier radio broadcasts. Such as " The Wilslix Knows" or "The Lone Ramspok" and maybe later things like "Route ## " or" Days of Our Wifeers" on television broadcasts. Of course our earlier radio broadcasts have been going out at the speed of light for over eighty years now. Still any kind of reply could take quite some time. I hate to think what they might think of our survival shows when the television broadcasts hit them! Also even if they are more advanced they might learn a few things from us as well."

"Also even if they are more advanced they might learn a few things from us as well."...like stay away! It would be so arrogant for mankind to believe and perpetuate a philosophy of species solipsism. Oh deity!...species analysis based on the bulk of radio and television signals would be mankind's kiss of loneliness. And then again, there may be others like us or those that would find pleasure in emulating us--ARGH!

Kelic: "Hey Gort, check this out...some male of the species is eating grubs in a pit of vipers."

Gort: "Way cool!!!!"

Gort: "Set course for planet #4530949...warp speed."

Gleek: "Aye, aye Captain."

Robert Roy Britt of Space.com wrote an article the idea of "intergalactic messages" is mentioned. Essentially there are two methods in view: The current method of electromagnetic signals and, as the article states, the "message in a bottle" approach. Each method has failing features. The former to be successful would require way too much energy for signal propagation and may miss a potential recipient. The latter is slow and cumbersome since there is no way now known to propel such a "bottle" near speeds of light to have a successful means of communication.

"Researchers: ET Should Write, Not Call"

What about broadcasting the Internet?

The "Good, the Bad, the Ugly"? Scanning the universe [or at least a very small section of it] for signals of extraterrestrial signals is one thing, but a continual broadcast of Earth originated data is another, especially when it is proposed that the "world wide web" be transmitted. Is the "www" what we want aliens to witness of Earth's citizens? The web is filled with hate, violence, racism, pornography, bias, crackpots, bad reasoning and bad science. A lot is not in a single language which could be difficult for translation and understanding. Web formats of textual data and images could be inaccessible. Where will all the passwords come from? Could "Gortreon" from a distant galaxy use his Mastercard for subscriptions? I suppose "Gortreon" and his colleagues could hack the sites. Granted, the "www" does exemplify the "Good, the Bad, the Ugly" of mankind, but do we really want to display the whole package of the human race to potential friends in the universe without and explanation and defense? Wouldn't it be better to pick and choose the information prior to submission and put our best foot foreword?

"What Do You Say to An Extraterrestrial?"

Well, this is interesting: A reversal of the modus operandi of the goals of SETI. Instead of, or in addition to, "waiting" for a signal from extraterrestrial intelligence--send an "invitation" via the Internet. This novel approach ["Invitation to ETI"] is the idea of Allen Tough Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Tough has some unusual and optimistic ideas concerning extraterrestrial intelligence and man's position in the universe.

"Welcome to the home page for the Invitation to ETI"

Well, this could be a problem: Missed or misinterpreted potential alien messages. Compare the shortness in time of our listening apparatus and methodology to an alien civilization far advanced in sending messages through out the universe with peers.

"Would We Mistake Signals from ET?"

Maybe it "is" about time to re-evaluate the functions of SETI.

Abstract:

"Motivated by recent developments impacting our view of Fermi’s paradox (absence of extraterrestrials and their manifestations from our past light cone), we suggest a reassessment of the problem itself, as well as of strategies employed by SETI projects so far. The need for such reevaluation is fueled not only by the failure of searches thus far, but also by great advances recently made in astrophysics, astrobiology, computer science and future studies, which have remained largely ignored in SETI practice. As an example of the new approach, we consider the effects of the observed metallicity and temperature gradients in the Milky Way on the spatial distribution of hypothetical advanced extraterrestrial intelligent communities. While, obviously, properties of such communities and their sociological and technological preferences are entirely unknown, we assume that (1) they operate in agreement with the known laws of physics, and (2) that at some point they typically become motivated by a meta-principle embodying the central role of information-processing; a prototype of the latter is the recently suggested Intelligence Principle of Steven J. Dick. There are specific conclusions of practical interest to astrobiological and SETI endeavors to be drawn from coupling of these reasonable assumptions with the astrophysical and astrochemical structure of the spiral disk of our Galaxy. In particular, we suggest that the outer regions of the Galactic disk are most likely locations for advanced SETI targets, and that sophisticated intelligent communities will tend to migrate outward through the Galaxy as their capacities of information processing increase, for both thermodynamical and astrochemical reasons. However, the outward movement is limited by the decrease in matter density in the outer Milky Way. This can also be regarded as a possible generalization of the Galactic Habitable Zone, concept currently much investigated in astrobiology."

"Galactic Gradients, Postbiological Evolution and the Apparent Failure of SETI"

Below is an excellent overview of the SETI program.

"SETI Searches Today"

Now this raises a troublesome issue...the real possibility of never establishing contact with anyone else in the universe.

Larry King interviewed Stephen Hawking in 1999. [ full interview ]

KING: When, Professor, did the universe begin, and do you know when it'll end?

HAWKING: We have good evidence the universe began in a big bang, about 15 billion years ago. We are less certain how it will end, but recent observations suggest a universe will expand forever at an ever- increasing rate.

Respect for a brilliant scientist, yes, ...certainly Hawking doesn't hold the key to open the door to reveal the fate of the universe. But, one part of his answer is quite fascinating and equally baffling: "...recent observations suggest a universe will expand forever at an ever- increasing rate." The words "forever" and "ever-increasing rate" are words of merit, weight, insight, mystery, and doom. The current model of the "Big Bang" provided the initial outward force to propel the universe into existence, but yet there is "something" that is supplying energy to increase its speed. Counter force of gravity--hypothetical "dark energy"? Einstein's fudge factor--"cosmological constant"? The universe isn't static. The Chandra x-ray telescope checking on galaxy clusters some one to eight billion light years distant has illustrated the fact that the universe is expanding and rapidly. Maybe there is no "dark energy"--an unknown feature of gravity. Perhaps the expansion, unlike Hawking's stance, will slow down and reverse. The "Big Crunch"? The "doom" part is also fascinating for it can define man's relationship to the universe as being a truly unique species [by chance or design] in that the universe will expand and thus increase distance and communication with other potential species and space travel. On the other hand, if the "Big Crunch" is a viable model, then there may be a window of opportunity for communication and travel. Longevity and maturity of our species will be a paramount issue. The "Big Crunch" is certainly a better deal than an ever expanding universe resulting in human isolation and loneliness.

No contact with alien intelligence coupled with not a trace of a species existence--JEEZE. That is sadness. "Humility" may be the key word there. The ancient Greeks had a word for that: "Tyche"..."knowing ones place on the scheme of things" with humbleness and reserve. Maybe that is the only certainty we may ever know?

I seriously doubt that many citizens of the world contemplate the focus of this topic. Is this citizen pusillanimous in addressing this issue? No...they are more interested in survival, feeding themselves and family, coping with illness [short term and terminal], avoiding pain [mental and physical], paying bills, dodging the rebel's bullet, etc. [Of course there is overlapping.] It appears that it is the poets, philosophers, and scientists that are keenly interested in the role of mankind with the universe and the potential fears of species loneliness. Not an egregious situation for those are the ones that institute new thought and doctrines of belief. But that may not be all that detrimental. Striking a conflict between the positive and negative metaphorically producing fire and consummation, there will arise the legendary Phoenix. Humm--Hegel still lives. On the final analysis, for an individual, those "worry and despair" issues evaporate in but a few decades. Let the next one in line carry the torch of mankind's fate.