Aliens Might Be Talking, but Our Ears Aren't Quantum Enough to Hear Them, a Scientist Says
For 75 years, scientists have consistently pondered the Fermi Paradox, which asks why we don't hear from other civilizations when there are so many Earth-like worlds in the galaxy.
A recent study analyzes whether these civilizations might be using quantum communication technologies beyond our own, which could explain why we don't 'hear' them.
Although interstellar quantum communication is possible, the technology to detect such communications is still far from our reach.
In 1950, Enrico Fermi asked the question that all of us have likely pondered at some point in our lives: Where are all of the aliens? He wasn't the first to consider this question—Soviet sci-fi legend Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, for one, asked a similar query in some of his unpublished manuscripts—and he certainly wouldn't be the last. If anything, the question has accumulated ever greater urgency as astronomers have slowly realized that there are likely billions of Earth-like planets in our galaxy alone, and we're discovering more tantalizing, potentially-life-supporting planetary candidates all the time.
This 'Fermi Paradox' has spawned dozens of theories, ideas, and hypotheses in the 75 years since. Maybe a 'Great Filter' lies in our distant past—the unlikely development of eukaryotic cells is a compelling candidate—or maybe (and this is the real bummer) it still lies ahead in our future. Are the aliens just not interested? A galaxy-spanning intelligence scoring a solid 'III' on the Kardashev Scale would likely be indifferent about a sub-I species intent on poisoning its own atmosphere. In other words, maybe we're an ant among giants.
Or, maybe more simply, aliens are reaching out to us, but we're just not listening—not in the right way, at least.
In a study published back in 2020 in the journal Physical Review D, University of Edinburgh physicist Arjun Berera determined that quantum communication—that is, communication that leverages photon qubits rather than the more classical radio waves we use today—could maintain what's known as coherence over interstellar distances. This idea got Berera's colleague Lantham Boyle, a fellow theoretical physicist at the University of Edinburgh, to start pondering if aliens throughout our galaxy (and beyond) could be using communication technologies outside of the classical realm (specifically quantum communication) that we simply can't hear.
'It's interesting that our galaxy (and the sea of cosmic background radiation in which it's embedded) 'does' permit interstellar quantum communication in certain frequency bands,' Boyle told Phys.org back in September.
This curiosity eventually led to the writing of a paper, which has been uploaded to the pre-print server arXiv, titled 'On Interstellar Quantum Communication and the Fermi Paradox.' In the paper, Boyle sets out to determine if an institute like the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) could somehow incorporate quantum communication detection as part of their never-ending search for interstellar beings. While the answer to that question is technically yes, it's practically a very strong, no-bones-about-it 'no.'
The problem is the size of the dish we'd need to construct in order to hear this quantum convo. For example, Boyle calculated that interstellar quantum communication would need to use wavelengths of at least 26.5 centimeters in order to avoid quantum depolarization due to the cosmic microwave background (CMB). That's all well and good, but that means that to communicate quantumly with Alpha Centauri—the nearest star to our own—we'd need a diffraction-limited telescope with a diameter of roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles), which is an area larger than the city of London. To put it mildly, SETI doesn't have that kind of budget.
'We have seen that the sender must place nearly all of their photons into our receiving telescope, which implies that the signal must be so highly directed that only the intended receiving telescope can hope to detect any sign of the communication,' Boyle wrote. 'This is in sharp contrast to classical communication, where one can broadcast photons indiscriminately into space, and an observer in any direction who detects a small fraction of those photons can still receive the message.'
Of course, if such an advanced civilization is capable of overcoming these engineering challenges, it's also likely that they could just glimpse our little corner of the cosmos and know we're not technologically equipped to hear what they're sending.
So, who knows? Maybe some silicon-based lifeforms orbiting a M-type star in the Large Magellanic Cloud have a regular quantum correspondence with the reigning Kardashev III civilization in Andromeda all about the peculiar apes on one particular spiral arm of the Milky Way that won't return their calls.
You Might Also Like
The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape
The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere
Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
ISS astronaut captures a rare phenomenon from orbit — a giant 'sprite' above a thunderstorm
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. U.S. astronaut Nichole "Vapor" Ayers captured a spectacular view of a phenomenon known as a "sprite" blazing to life above an intense thunderstorm — and she did this while orbiting 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS). "Sprites are TLEs or Transient Luminous Events, that happen above the clouds and are triggered by intense electrical activity in the thunderstorms below," wrote Ayers in an X post showcasing the image. "We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms." Vivid, multicolored sprites are among the least understood and visually striking electrical phenomena known to manifest in Earth's upper atmosphere during intense thunderstorm events. They typically occur roughly 50 miles (80 km) above the planet's surface in the wake of powerful lightning strikes, taking on an array of otherworldly shapes composed of complex, tendril-like features and plumes of red light, according to NASA. Even so, the gigantic sprite Ayers managed to witness is a particularly impressive specimen, seen rising high above lightning-lit clouds and treading into Earth's upper atmosphere above Mexico and the U.S. All the while, the sprite appears to glow brightly alongside artificial light emanating from the cities below. Over the past few years, NASA has been working on the "Spritacular" citizen science project, which asks members of the public to contribute images of TLE sightings in an attempt to provide the scientific community with data that can be used to decode the phenomenon. These efforts are now being bolstered by orbital footage of the spectacular events, including by multiple astronauts aboard the ISS, who — like Ayers — have embraced photography as a creative outlet during their time on the station. Many questions certainly persist surrounding the nature of sprites, how and why they form and how they interact with the surrounding atmosphere — but maybe they'll have some answers soon. Editor's Note: If you capture an image of a sprite or TLE and want to share it with readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Scientists look to black holes to know exactly where we are in the Universe. But phones and wifi are blocking the view
The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble. Their measurements are essential for the satellites we use for navigation, communication and Earth observation every day. But you might be surprised to learn that making these measurements – using the science of geodesy – depends on tracking the locations of black holes in distant galaxies. The problem is, the scientists need to use specific frequency lanes on the radio spectrum highway to track those black holes. And with the rise of wifi, mobile phones and satellite internet, travel on that highway is starting to look like a traffic jam. Satellites and the services they provide have become essential for modern life. From precision navigation in our pockets to measuring climate change, running global supply chains and making power grids and online banking possible, our civilisation cannot function without its orbiting companions. To use satellites, we need to know exactly where they are at any given time. Precise satellite positioning relies on the so-called 'global geodesy supply chain'. This supply chain starts by establishing a reliable reference frame as a basis for all other measurements. Because satellites are constantly moving around Earth, Earth is constantly moving around the Sun, and the Sun is constantly moving through the galaxy, this reference frame needs to be carefully calibrated via some relatively fixed external objects. As it turns out, the best anchor points for the system are the black holes at the hearts of distant galaxies, which spew out streams of radiation as they devour stars and gas. These black holes are the most distant and stable objects we know. Using a technique called very long baseline interferometry, we can use a network of radio telescopes to lock onto the black hole signals and disentangle Earth's own rotation and wobble in space from the satellites' movement. We use radio telescopes because we want to detect the radio waves coming from the black holes. Radio waves pass cleanly through the atmosphere and we can receive them during day and night and in all weather conditions. Radio waves are also used for communication on Earth – including things such as wifi and mobile phones. The use of different radio frequencies – different lanes on the radio highway – is closely regulated, and a few narrow lanes are reserved for radio astronomy. However, in previous decades the radio highway had relatively little traffic. Scientists commonly strayed from the radio astronomy lanes to receive the black hole signals. To reach the very high precision needed for modern technology, geodesy today relies on more than just the lanes exclusively reserved for astronomy. In recent years, human-made electromagnetic pollution has vastly increased. When wifi and mobile phone services emerged, scientists reacted by moving to higher frequencies. However, they are running out of lanes. Six generations of mobile phone services (each occupying a new lane) are crowding the spectrum, not to mention internet connections directly sent by a fleet of thousands of satellites. Today, the multitude of signals are often too strong for geodetic observatories to see through them to the very weak signals emitted by black holes. This puts many satellite services at risk. To keep working into the future – to maintain the services on which we all depend – geodesy needs some more lanes on the radio highway. When the spectrum is divided up via international treaties at world radio conferences, geodesists need a seat at the table. Other potential fixes might include radio quiet zones around our essential radio telescopes. Work is also underway with satellite providers to avoid pointing radio emissions directly at radio telescopes. Any solution has to be global. For our geodetic measurements, we link radio telescopes together from all over the world, allowing us to mimic a telescope the size of Earth. The radio spectrum is primarily regulated by each nation individually, making this a huge challenge. But perhaps the first step is increasing awareness. If we want satellite navigation to work, our supermarkets to be stocked and our online money transfers arriving safely, we need to make sure we have a clear view of those black holes in distant galaxies – and that means clearing up the radio highway. This article is republished from The Conversation. It was written by: Lucia McCallum, University of Tasmania Read more: A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they've solved the mystery Why flattering Donald Trump could be dangerous In the sky over Iran, Elon Musk and Starlink step into geopolitics – not for the first time Lucia McCallum does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
NASA Plans To Leave The ISS After 2030 - Here's What Will Come Next
Since November 2000, the International Space Station has provided a habitat for a continuous human presence in space, but its days are numbered. They say it's the miles that count, and the 420,000 miles it travels every day -- 17,500 mph for 24 hours -- is more than most cars ever travel in their lifetimes. Multiply that over 30 years and consider that it travels in the inhospitable vacuum of space, and it's amazing that the ISS has already lasted this long. In 2030, NASA will deorbit the ISS to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere, an inglorious end to 30 years of international cooperation in space. However, that won't be the end of long-term human space occupation. NASA is already planning a replacement low Earth orbit space station, with three private companies trying to win the contract. Additionally, NASA wants to put a space station in orbit around the moon as part of the Artemis program, though that may not happen with a renewed emphasis on missions to Mars instead. Read more: These Are The Car-Related Movie Mistakes That Really Bother You NASA has learned that operating a space station on its own is an expensive proposition. President Reagan's vision of a wholly American-owned and operated Space Station Freedom eventually morphed into the International Space Station we know today, with other countries sharing the cost. Today, NASA favors private companies to meet its needs. Much of SpaceX's success is due to NASA's heavy investment in the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to bring cargo and astronauts to the ISS. Boeing's Starliner, on the other hand, has not worked out as well. As the ISS goes out of service, it makes sense that NASA would pursue the commercial route with a replacement space station as well. Three companies have made proposals to NASA for the next American space station. Axiom Space has a plan not only to build its own station but to dock its payload, power, and thermal module to the ISS in 2027. Important research could be transferred off the ISS into this module, which would detach before the ISS is deorbited. It would then become the hub of Axiom Station as new modules launch and attach to it. Orbital Reef is another commercial space station proposal, backed by companies including Sierra Space, Blue Origin, and Boeing. It proposes "a mixed-use business park in space," focused on research, commercial purposes, and even tourism. Starlab is the third proposal, with involvement from Voyager, Airbus, and Mitsubishi. NASA also has space station plans beyond low Earth orbit. An important aspect of the Artemis program involves putting the Gateway space station into orbit not around the Earth, but around the moon. The Orion capsule will dock here, where astronauts will spend their time in lunar orbit rather than crammed into a small capsule as in the past. This is also where astronauts will transfer to the Human Landing System for trips to the lunar surface. Gateway will function rather like the ISS, except in lunar orbit. NASA oversees the project and flies astronauts there on Artemis missions. Europe and Japan will supply some of the station's modules, the United Arab Emirates will provide an airlock, and Canada will provide a new Canadarm similar to that used on the ISS and Space Shuttle. Gateway's first habitation module, HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), has already been built in Italy and delivered to a Northrop Grumman facility in Arizona for further testing and preparation. However, long-term projects such as Artemis are vulnerable to short-term political goals. Thanks to huge cuts to NASA's budget, the entire Artemis program, including Gateway, is in danger of being canceled. This was originally to prioritize a manned Mars mission, but President Trump's on-again, off-again relationship with Elon Musk may mean the Mars shot could get canceled as well. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
