Posted on 02/25/2018 7:19:26 AM PST by BenLurkin
Roughly half a century ago, Cornell astronomer Frank Drake conducted Project Ozma, the first systematic SETI survey at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. Since that time, scientists have conducted multiple surveys in the hopes of find indications of “technosignatures” – i.e. evidence of technologically-advanced life (such as radio communications).
...But according to a new study, such a message could also pose a serious risk to humanity. Drawing on multiple possibilities that have been explored in detail, they consider how humanity could shield itself from malicious spam and viruses.
The study, titled “Interstellar communication. IX. Message decontamination is impossible“, recently appeared online. The study was conducted by Michael Hippke, a independent scientist from the Sonneberg Observatory in Germany; and John G. Learned, a professor with the High Energy Physics Group at the University of Hawaii. Together, they examine some of the foregone conclusions about SETI and what is more likely to be the case.
To be fair, the notion that an extra-terrestrial civilization could pose a threat to humanity is not just a well-worn science fiction trope. For decades, scientists have treated it as a distinct possibility and considered whether or not the risks outweigh the possible benefits. As a result, some theorists have suggested that humans should not engage in SETI at all, or that we should take measures to hide our planet.
(Excerpt) Read more at universetoday.com ...
Only a childish liberal would run from information because its “scary”.
I’d be happy to set things up so that we would be 100% guaranteed to NOT be contacted by aliens.
I’ll do it for only $250,000 (negotiable).
I will do it for $100,000.
I don’t know about ‘a’ message, but if we start receiving lots of them, we should create a rule to automatically move them to Spam.
Reading is one thing, answering it is another.
By the subject line ?
"Stupid human. Had you only read the message this never would have happened to you."
If it’s signed Boris, it should be passed on to McCain so he can give it to Mueller.
If it’s from aliens you may as well delete it if you can’t read Spanish.
I do not believe you know how to solicit Gov contract work. The first offer of $250k should be tripled and then you indicated that your results are not guaranteed nor are the costs recoverable AND the Senator that supports it will get an all-expense paid trip to Sandals (tax payer funded, of course).
I would be worried if we decoded “Let’s have lunch sometime soon.”
You betcha. And I'm not taking any chances. I received this message back in 1992, and I've been in my underground bunker ever since.
If it is really from Aliens, you will not be able to delete it.
I agree.
1 tsp Salt
2 tbl Moon Powder
...
Because there would be a CC: to Vladimir Putin.
CAUTION: if there are attachments, do NOT open!
They may infect us with a virus.
On a more serious note, the culture of our nation (and perhaps the world) would find another fight to last for decades/centuries. So we delete or not? Do we reply or not? And IF we reply do we warn, invite, or adopt and send money?
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