Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to re: Aren't we broadcasting anyway?

"Why wouldn't we?"
TB — (archived)

That's a very good question, and worth more time than I can spend on it.

We can start by assuming just for the sake of the discussion that there's someone out there listening. Otherwise, the whole thing is moot.

We could get the attention of two types of civilizations: One with interstellar travel, or one without.

If without, we're not going to get an answer for a very long time. If it does come, it will be interesting and extremely useful: communications with a totally different civilization. No way we could avoid learning something important one way or another. Hint for future generations: If they send blueprints or genetic formulas, think twice before cheerfully following the directions.

If the recipient does have star travel, and somebody is in the neighborhood, the answer could come a lot faster. Benevolent or not, nothing will be the same here. If you look at history, cultures that come in contact with much more advanced cultures tend to have a very rough time, even when that more advanced culture has had only the most benevolent intentions.

Not sure we need to rock this boat. Chances of success are almost nil, but it's like watching someone in front of an instrument panel with fifty thousand buttons on it, with just one of the buttons being a "Total Destruct" switch. Odds or not, I would not like the idea of being around while that person is pushing a button at random every so often.

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