If extraterrestrial intelligence exists somewhere in our galaxy, a new MIT study proposes that laser technology on Earth could, in principle, be fashioned into something of a planetary porch light — a beacon strong enough to attract attention from as far as 20,000 light years away.
The research, which author James Clark calls a "feasibility study," appears today in The Astrophysical Journal. The findings suggest that if a high-powered 1- to 2-megawatt laser were focused through a massive 30- to 45-meter telescope and aimed out into space, the combination would produce a beam of infrared radiation strong enough to stand out from the sun's energy.
Such a signal could be detectable by alien astronomers performing a cursory survey of our section of the Milky Way — especially if those astronomers live in nearby systems, such as around Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to Earth, or TRAPPIST-1, a star about 40 light-years away that hosts seven exoplanets, three of which are potentially habitable. If the signal is spotted from either of these nearby systems, the study finds, the same megawatt laser could be used to send a brief message in the form of pulses similar to Morse code.
Also at EarthSky.
Optical Detection of Lasers with Near-term Technology at Interstellar Distances (DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aae380) (DX)
(Score: 2) by bzipitidoo on Thursday November 08 2018, @07:36PM (3 children)
What if, 65 million years ago, aliens observed that intelligent dinosaurs capable of building a civilization and exploring space had just evolved, and decided to cut them down before they could?
I wonder if any conspiracy theorists have ever thought of that one. Probably a few have, but it doesn't seem to have gained much traction.
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Thursday November 08 2018, @08:04PM (2 children)
Probably would have been the energy drinks and alcohol that killed them first.
And Doritos to go with their joint. Lots of Doritos to make 'em have heart attacks.
"Imma gonna build this spaceship i just designed, but first i'll celebrate by swishing my long tail and eating Doritos while i smoke this... hey! Bud and Rockstar too! Alright!"
...
...........
Aaaaaarrrrrrghhhhhh..... a killer rabbit lives in this cave!
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
(Score: 2) by stretch611 on Thursday November 08 2018, @10:37PM (1 child)
Killer Rabbits?
Have you been playing Fluffy Horde [youtube.com]?
Now with 5 covid vaccine shots/boosters altering my DNA :P
(Score: 3, Touché) by Gaaark on Friday November 09 2018, @03:33AM
Nope, I've been playing with coconut horses.
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---