Aliens May Communicate with Light: Why SETI is Searching in the Wrong Place.

According to ТСН: Scientists have proposed a new hypothesis suggesting that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations may use short bursts of light for communication, similar to how fireflies do on Earth. This discovery encourages a reassessment of approaches to searching for extraterrestrial life.

Researchers emphasize that current search programs may be limited by anthropocentric thinking, relying on human logic. For many years, programs like SETI have focused efforts on looking for radio signals or traces of large technological objects, yet the study's authors believe that such civilizations may not use radio waves at all.

According to scientists, these civilizations may have developed to a 'radio-silent' state, adapting alternative, less noticeable communication methods, including regular light bursts.

Principles of Communication

On Earth, fireflies use series of flashes to identify their species and find mates. This could form a basis for extraterrestrial communication, functioning as a signal 'we are here'.

In their study, scientists analyzed over 150 pulsars—neutron stars that emit regular pulses of light. Although specific evidence of artificial origin for the signals was not found, some of their characteristics resemble 'communication patterns' in nature.

Thought Experiment

The authors stress that their research is primarily a thought experiment, rather than confirmation of the existence of extraterrestrial signals. The study urges the scientific community to think broadly and consider the experience of studying animal communication.

Scientists believe that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence requires discarding biases and a willingness to detect signals that may not conform to human notions of technology. In particular, communication is a fundamental characteristic of life and can take many forms. If humanity aims to find aliens, it must open up new ways of perception.

Researchers also remind us of the importance of collaboration among astronomers, biologists, and specialists in studying the behavior of living beings to expand understanding of what life may exist beyond Earth.

Recall, earlier reports mentioned an unknown cosmic object approaching Earth. Researchers continue to determine what it may be.