It’s a moment that has been shown countless times in science fiction – but when will it happen? externalities interact through a signal received on Earth?
The time may come at the end of this decade: if foreigners receive signals sent by NASA‘s Deep Space Network (DSN) to the Pioneer 10 satellite in the 70s, for example.
When the time comesthe signal can be received by large ground-based telescopes such as FAST in ChinaVery Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and the Parkes Telescope in Australia, says former NASA scientist Sylvester Kaczmarek.
First Day
There is no universally accepted law of how scientists or governments can respond – or on questions such as whether visitors will have rights.
But space-focused organizations including the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) created a plan in 2010.
Instead of announcing their discoveries to the world immediately, scientists would try to verify that they were real – first to prevent interference from Earth such as satellites and radios.
A mysterious signal on the Parkes Radio Telescope in the 1990s was found to be a microwave oven in the staff canteen.
Kaczmarek says: ‘In order for the signal to appear to be external, researchers often need several layers of verification and analysis, often over several weeks or months.
The signal can be received by large ground-based telescopes such as the Parkes Telescope in Australia (pictured).
‘The signal should show properties independent of natural astrophysical sources and man-made interference.’
In SETI’s ‘Declaration of Principles Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’, published in 2010 by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), these guidelines indicate that the discoverers must cooperate with other organizations to ensure that the signal is genuine.
Nothing can be announced until it is confirmed, although scientists will answer media inquiries if the news is ‘leaked’.
The First Week (after confirmation)
Scientists at the observatory inform organizations such as the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Kaczmarek says that although organizations such as SETI have their own means of first communication in the event of an emergency, organizations with space communication skills such as NASA, and ESA can participate.
FIRST WEEK: Once the scientists are sure, the findings can be shared – perhaps through a public announcement including press releases and scientific publications, telling visitors around the world that they have been discovered.
Seth Shostak of SETI, who has a plan for what happens when a strange signal is received
Kaczmarek says: ‘Governments are also actively involved, especially those with advanced space programs or defense capabilities, such as the US Space Force or similar agencies.
‘However, in such cases, there can be confusion and competing interests in the face of a coherent international approach.’
Once the scientists confirm, the findings can be shared – perhaps through a public announcement including publications and scientific publications, Kaczmarek says,
Kaczmarek says: ‘This transparency can be delayed depending on political or security issues, especially if governments or security agencies intervene.’
But when the secret gets out, it must become more and more important for the authorities to try to deal with the fear and confusion that may arise.
Second Week
One of the first things that can be done is to ‘protect’ the frequency at which a signal is received to ensure that more signals are received.
WEEK TWO: Confusion erupts around the world after learning of a strange sign
Scientists can use emergency procedures within the World Administrative Radio Council of the International Telecommunication Union.
The SETI guidelines suggest establishing a Post-Discovery Study Group to evaluate the signal and initiate a discussion on how to respond.
Meanwhile, it is likely that the United Nations will be involved in identifying the signal and developing a response.
Kaczmarek says, ‘In fact, the United Nations can play a major role in any coordinated global response.
Sylvester Kaczmarek is a former NASA scientist and AI expert
‘The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is an organization that can lead, because it oversees the peaceful use of outer space and has existing agreements, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which covers international cooperation in outer space.’
Scientists and governments can work together during this time to understand where the signal came from, what it means – and whether or not to respond.
The Third Week
The response of visitors to aliens varies depending on the context: a visit from space may require a more direct response, says Kaczmarek.
But a signal received from deep space requires ‘long-term planning’ to respond.
It seems that responding to such a sign would be a global decision, according to the Declaration of Principles Concerning the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.
Instead of scientists or any organization taking action, these scientists would have sought guidance from international organizations such as the United Nations.
The document said, “In the matter of the authenticity of the sign, the signatories of this document cannot respond without first seeking the guidance and approval of a representative international organization, such as the United Nations.”
