Space/Science — HabitableZone

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

And why is it...
New Age Vapors — (archived)

Even after it's introduction in 1960 and its revival in the 1990s, we are still thinking
that communication will be via radio? Lasers are more powerful, can carry a lot more
information, and are more applicable to an advanced society to boot. Plus a bright
enough laser beam will stand out brighter than any star in our sky and we don't
need to fuss with any special frequencies.

And as for the issue about their needing to be directly aimed at our planet, a
radio message needs to be aimed our way as well in order for us to even have
a chance of detection.

It's nice that we are thinking in a way that expands our mental and cultural
horizons, but the talk I see here and elsewhere just keeps convincing me that
we aren't quite ready to deal with an advanced civilization. Just imagine the
reactions from religious groups alone to a signal from an alien species.

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