What Do We Do If SETI Is Successful?
5 hours ago
- #Space Exploration
- #SETI
- #Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- SETI is evolving beyond monitoring radio waves to include interstellar lasers and Dyson swarms.
- The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is updating its protocols for detecting extraterrestrial intelligence.
- The new protocol reflects modern complexities, including social media and researcher protection.
- A key change suggests not responding to alien messages until discussed at the United Nations.
- The protocol does not impact METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which remains controversial.
- New guidelines include verifying signals, data storage, and software for analysis.
- For electromagnetic signals, the ITU may be petitioned to free up bandwidth.
- The update acknowledges increased complexity in political, social, and scientific environments.
- The IAA's process for updating the protocol has been ongoing for two years.
- Final ratification involves the IAA board, pending a majority vote in Sydney.