How to speak nicely to an alien
A signal from deep space is detected. It contains distinct patterns and seems artificial rather than natural. Could this be the first transmission from an alien civilisation? How can we decipher what it says? And how should we respond?
The most comprehensive guide ever to the “science of extraterrestrial language” has been compiled by academics, designed to ensure humanity’s first communications with intelligent aliens will lead to friendship rather than “devastating” interstellar conflict.
The scientists have argued astronomers can use centuries of studies of human language and animal communication, particularly efforts to decode mysterious ancient texts or understand the calls and grunts of animals, and apply it to efforts to make contact with other civilisations.
For more than half a century, telescopes have been scanning the heavens hoping to receive or intercept transmissions from extraterrestrial civilisations. Our own messages have also been sent into the cosmos via signals and probes in search of interstellar recipients.
A 2020 study in the Astrophysical Journal estimated there were 36 advanced civilisations across our galaxy alone. Some scientists believe the first proof of extraterrestrial life will come not from the discovery of microbes on Mars but from the detection of alien signals.
A new volume explains that the chances of making contact with intelligent aliens is “remote but possible” and that it would be foolish not to start work now on how we could “understand possible extraterrestrial communicative systems and how we might establish two-way communication”.
In science fiction, most first encounters between humans and alien civilisations descend into bloody conflict, often due to an inability to communicate. Waiting until we first encounter an alien transmission to begin work on how to decipher such a message would lead to “rushed” attempts to decode it, “the consequences of which could be devastating”, the book warns.
Editor Douglas Vakoch said: “I think it’s realistic that we could in our lifetimes get a message through SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence).”