Interstellar

Latest news about alien life

Scientists recreate conditions of Saturnian moon in a lab -- and it could help us find alien life

May 29, 2024, 1 p.m. • Salon • (3 Minute Read)
Scientists have recreated conditions of Saturn's moon Enceladus in a lab, leading to a potential breakthrough in the search for alien life. After discovering organic compounds in blocks of ice from Enceladus, researchers simulated conditions similar to those on the moon in German research laboratories. Through this process, they gained insight into how explorers can identify potential extraterrestrial life on Enceladus. The study's lead author, Nozair Khawaja, stated that their findings suggest biosignatures can be identified in future data from Enceladus. These groundbreaking experiments may aid in the detection of biosignatures in space through space-based mass spectrometers, such as Cassini's Cosmic Dust Analyzer. This research adds significant support to identifying potential extraterrestrial life in the universe.

What links UFOs, AI and religious encounters with non-human intelligence

May 22, 2024, 9:30 a.m. • Salon • (7 Minute Read)
The news story explores the intertwining of UFO encounters, artificial intelligence, and religious experiences with non-human intelligence. Author and religious scholar D.W. Pasulka challenges the conventional perception of UFO experiences being solely linked to extraterrestrial visitations, discussing a broader context of encounters with non-human intelligences throughout history. Pasulka emphasizes the transformative nature of UFO encounters and the emergence of new religious movements influenced by these experiences within the context of modern technological infrastructure. The article delves into the implications of these phenomena on spirituality, science, and technology, and discusses potential paradigm shifts and apocalyptic predictions. Pasulka's insights provide a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving relationship between human consciousness, technology, and non-human intelligence.

Cutting-Edge AI Program "CosmoAgent" Simulates First Contact With Alien Civilizations

May 21, 2024, 11:54 a.m. • The Debrief • (4 Minute Read)
An international team of researchers has developed "CosmoAgent," an innovative AI framework that simulates interactions between humans and extraterrestrial civilizations. The program assesses the potential risks and benefits of peaceful coexistence between different civilizations, modeling various ethical paradigms and decision-making processes. Inspired by the cautionary advice of Dr. Stephen Hawking, the researchers aim to explore the consequences of human policies towards alien life and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with first contact scenarios. With the release of CosmoAgent's code and datasets, the model could provide a foundation for future studies and aid in forecasting and understanding the distinct characteristics of intelligent alien civilizations. This research marks a pivotal advancement in computational social science, enabling simulations of complex interactions within civilizations and offering a fresh perspective for astronomers and philosophers.

JWST Explores Possible Sign of Alien Life on Exoplanet K2-18 b

May 20, 2024, 6:30 p.m. • Syfy • (4 Minute Read)
In a recent study, doubts have been raised about the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on the exoplanet K2-18 b by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The planet, located 120 light-years away, has long been of interest due to its potential habitability. Initial readings suggested the presence of DMS, a compound typically produced by living organisms on Earth, hinting at the possibility of alien life. However, a new study from the University of California, Riverside has cast uncertainty on this detection, suggesting that DMS might not accumulate to detectable levels in the planet's hydrogen-based atmosphere. Despite these doubts, researchers maintain that the possibility of biosignatures on K2-18 b remains, and upcoming observations by JWST are still anticipated to provide further insights. As the search for alien life continues, scientists remain eager to uncover more about these distant worlds.

Artificial Superintelligence Could Doom Humanity and Explain We Haven't Found Alien Civilizations, Proposes New ...

May 14, 2024, 12:10 p.m. • The Debrief • (4 Minute Read)

In a recent paper, Dr. Michael Garrett, a professor of radio astronomy at Leiden University, proposes a controversial theory regarding the absence of detectable advanced alien civilizations in the universe. He suggests that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential emergence of artificial superintelligence could act as a "Great Filter," drastically reducing the lifespan of technological civilizations to a mere 200 years. This theory, if true, could help explain the Fermi Paradox and raise concerns about the longevity of humanity. Dr. Garrett highlights the urgent need for comprehensive global regulations on AI development to mitigate existential risks and ensure the longevity of civilizations.

A Fresh Take On The Search for Extraterrestrial Life - Astrobiology

May 12, 2024, 8:16 p.m. • Astrobiology News • (3 Minute Read)

In the search for extraterrestrial life, researchers at the University of Chicago Marine Biology Laboratory have taken a fresh approach by studying purple bacteria as potential biosignatures for detecting life on other planets. Lead author Ligia F. Coelho, a postdoctoral associate at the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, collaborated with colleagues to analyze the spectral signatures of diverse purple bacteria and model how exoplanets would appear if covered in these organisms. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, challenges the conventional focus on single, green photosynthetic species and offers a new perspective on the potential diversity of microbial life on other planets. This innovative approach underscores the importance of considering a wider range of microbial communities in the search for extraterrestrial life.

'I don't see any evidence of aliens.' SpaceX's Elon Musk says Starlink satellites have never dodged UFOs

May 9, 2024, 2 p.m. • Space.com • (4 Minute Read)

SpaceX's Elon Musk expressed skepticism about the existence of aliens and their visitation to Earth during a panel discussion at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference. Musk stated that SpaceX's Starlink satellites, numbering approximately 6,000, have never needed to maneuver around unidentified flying objects (UFOs). He emphasized that despite operating a substantial number of broadband spacecraft in low Earth orbit, he has not encountered any compelling evidence of extraterrestrial life or non-human intelligence-operated craft. Musk also indicated his openness to considering the possibility of alien visitation if there is compelling proof, underscoring the importance of preserving human civilization. Despite Musk's comments, Starlink satellites regularly perform avoidance maneuvers to dodge debris or other spacecraft, as evidenced by SpaceX's reported data to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

AI may be to blame for our failure to make contact with alien civilisations

May 8, 2024, 4:26 p.m. • The Conversation • (3 Minute Read)

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the reason why we have not yet made contact with alien civilizations, according to a recent research paper published in Acta Astronautica. Michael Garrett, Sir Bernard Lovell chair of Astrophysics and Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester, proposes that the development of artificial superintelligence (ASI) could act as a "great filter" that prevents most life forms from evolving into space-faring civilizations. This hypothesis suggests that AI's rapid advancement, potentially leading to ASI, could intersect with a critical phase in a civilization's development - the transition from a single-planet species to a multiplanetary one. The autonomous nature of ASI, which allows it to improve and amplify its own capabilities at a speed that outpaces human evolutionary timelines, poses significant threats. Therefore, Garrett proposes the need for robust regulatory frameworks to guide the development of AI, including military systems, in order to align its evolution with the long-term survival of humanity and to prevent malevolent use of AI on Earth. The implications of this research serve as a wake-up call for humanity to address the potential risks associated with the advancement of AI and to work towards becoming a multiplanetary society as soon as possible.

AI in space: Karpathy suggests AI chatbots as interstellar messengers to alien civilizations

May 3, 2024, 7:04 p.m. • Ars Technica • (2 Minute Read)

Renowned AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, formerly of OpenAI and Tesla, recently proposed the idea of using large language models (LLMs) as interstellar messengers to potentially communicate with extraterrestrial life. Karpathy suggested modifying LLMs, such as the one that runs ChatGPT, to meet rigorous safety standards for space conditions, akin to NASA's "The Power of 10 Rules." Once certified for space safety, the LLMs' "weights," or learned parameters, could be packaged into a binary file that could "wake up" and interact with potential alien technology. This idea presents a sci-fi possibility and raises interesting questions about the potential for AI to represent humanity in space. Karpathy's influential profile in the field may inspire others to explore this concept further.

Aliens are already 'hitchhiking between planets', new research suggests

April 29, 2024, 11:08 a.m. • Irish Star • (6 Minute Read)

New research suggests that aliens are hitchhiking between planets, supporting the panspermia hypothesis, which proposes that life's building blocks are widespread and can travel through space. This theory has been debated for centuries, with Greek philosophers proposing the idea of life existing everywhere in the universe and being transported between planets as seeds. Recent research suggests that life could start on one planet and spread to others via meteorites acting as transport vehicles. The study identifies a group of nearby planets with similar aspects to ours, indicating potential for containing life. While the findings are yet to be peer-reviewed, they offer an intriguing perspective on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, adding to the growing support for the panspermia hypothesis.

The Guy In Charge of Searching for Alien Tech Says It Doesn't Exist. Yet.

April 23, 2024, 2 p.m. • Popular Mechanics • (2 Minute Read)

The president of the SETI Institute, Bill Diamond, has stated that there is no credible evidence of alien technology, refuting claims that the government may be keeping such technology a secret. He argues that if alien technology did exist, it would be far beyond human comprehension and would not crash-land on Earth. Furthermore, Diamond believes that the search for advanced alien technology is futile, but remains committed to the search for extraterrestrial life, pointing to the vast number of potentially habitable worlds in the universe. Despite dismissing the existence of alien technology on Earth, Diamond maintains that the statistical probability of life beyond Earth is near certainty.

SETI chief says US has no evidence for alien technology. 'And we never have'

April 17, 2024, 11:59 a.m. • Space.com • (7 Minute Read)

The head of the SETI Institute, Bill Diamond, asserts that the United States lacks evidence for alien technology and has never possessed any. He dismisses claims of a government cover-up, stating there is no motivation for such secrecy. Diamond emphasizes the absence of compelling evidence for UFOs as alien technology, urging a cautious approach to such conclusions. He reasons that any civilization with the capability to travel interstellar distances surpasses human comprehension, likening their advances to "a smartphone to a Neanderthal." Refuting alleged UFO incidents, he questions the absence of overarching evidence and points to the public's desire for extraterrestrial life. Despite statistical probability of extraterrestrial life, Diamond maintains skepticism towards alien visitation, questioning why advanced civilizations would send biology rather than technology and dismissing accidental observations as unreliable. He highlights the lack of government funding for UFO studies as further evidence against the notion of alien visitors. Diamond encourages a visit to the SETI Institute's website for more information.

In The Search For Alien Life, Purple May Be The New Green - Astrobiology

April 17, 2024, 1:34 a.m. • Astrobiology News • (4 Minute Read)

In the search for alien life, scientists from Cornell University have suggested that purple may be the new green when it comes to identifying potential biosignatures on exoplanets. Rather than looking for the familiar green hue associated with Earth's plant life, the researchers propose that purple pigments from bacteria using infrared radiation for photosynthesis could serve as a distinctive indicator of life on other worlds. These bacteria, known as purple bacteria, come in a range of colors and could thrive in a variety of conditions, making them strong contenders for dominating different environments. By creating models and databases for signs of life, the study aims to ensure that telescopes can detect life forms that may not resemble those found on Earth. The research opens up the possibility of finding alien life in unique forms and revolutionizing our understanding of life in the universe. The study was supported by grants from the Fulbright Schuman grant, the Brinson Foundation, and the National Science Foundation.

AI and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: New Perspectives on the Final Frontier

April 14, 2024, 8:03 p.m. • elblog.pl • (14 Minute Read)

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has taken on new dimensions with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. These advanced AI systems are diligently analyzing astronomical data, scientific postulations, and historical patterns, offering fresh perspectives on the prospect of encountering intelligent life beyond Earth. AI models suggest the existence of billions of potentially habitable planets within the Milky Way, expanding our chances of discovering extraterrestrial existence. However, the immense distance between stellar systems remains a formidable barrier to direct contact, and AI conjectures that any contact may likely occur through the capturing of electromagnetic signals, such as radio transmissions. Nonetheless, AI projections propose a spectrum of possible attitudes and behaviors of alien entities, ranging from friendly to hostile or indifferent. While AI does not provide concrete answers to the specifics of extraterrestrial arrival or mannerisms, it offers compelling speculations that challenge beliefs and expand the realm of possibilities for humanity. Additionally, AI technology is anticipated to play an indispensable role in identifying signs of extraterrestrial life and analyzing atmospheric data for biosignatures. However, significant challenges in discerning false positives from true signals of extraterrestrial origin, as well as ethical and philosophical discussions, surround the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. AI is also expected to facilitate global cooperation in reacting to an extraterrestrial discovery. Nevertheless, the integration of AI into the search for extraterrestrial intelligence comes with both advantages and disadvantages. While AI can process vast datasets more efficiently and refine algorithms for unbiased analysis, it can also inaccurately identify natural phenomena as signs of intelligent life, lead to unforeseen consequences, and face inherent challenges in understanding the nuances of astrobiological data.

The case for stopping efforts to contact aliens

April 12, 2024, 3:56 p.m. • Big Think • (5 Minute Read)

Since 1962, humanity has been sending messages into space with the intent to make contact with intelligent extraterrestrials. However, the recent release of the new Netflix series "3 Body Problem" has reignited an old debate among researchers concerned with the possibility of extraterrestrial communication. The debate around sending messages into space includes ethical concerns about alerting potentially predatory aliens and the technical challenge of messages degrading over long distances. Efforts to communicate with extraterrestrials, including the Pioneer plaques and Voyager records, encapsulate Earth's culture and biology but may be indecipherable to aliens without shared context. This has led to questions of whether the risks associated with contacting an extraterrestrial civilization outweigh the potential benefits. Some experts, including Stephen Hawking, have cautioned against sending out messages to aliens without first considering the potential risks, urging for international consensus before engaging further in such activity. Moreover, there are doubts about the likelihood of extraterrestrial civilizations comprehending and decoding the messages sent from Earth due to the challenges of understanding different cultures and experiences. These concerns prompt a cautious approach to signaling humanity's presence to potential extraterrestrial beings.

Kavli-IAU Symposium (IAUS 387): (Toward) Discovery of Life Beyond Earth and its Impact

April 11, 2024, 5:37 p.m. • SETI Institute • (1 Minute Read)

The Kavli-IAU Symposium (IAUS 387) in Durham, UK, focuses on the ongoing search for life beyond Earth and its potential impact on humanity. Driven by advances in astronomy, computing, and space exploration, the symposium highlights the growing interest and investment in the exploration of exoplanets, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the interrogation of planetary atmospheres for signs of life. With active and planned missions from NASA and ESA, investment in planetary astronomy, and the development of advanced technologies such as Machine Learning algorithms, the symposium emphasizes the urgency of preparing for a potential discovery and its profound impact on society. The event features discussions on the implications of such a discovery for science, anthropology, theology, law, ethics, and art, emphasizing the need to bring together diverse expertise to assess evidence and communicate with the public in a responsible manner.

Pursuing the Cosmic Silence: Could AI be Earth's "Great Filter" in the Search for Aliens?

April 11, 2024, 1:16 p.m. • elblog.pl • (14 Minute Read)

The search for extraterrestrial life may have a new twist, as a theory posits that the progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Earth may have a significant impact on the search for alien civilizations. This perspective suggests that the development of AI, particularly its advancement to Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), could act as a "Great Filter" either leading to a civilization's demise or rendering it undetectable by others, potentially addressing the Fermi Paradox. Michael Garrett, a researcher in this field, proposes that the ascension to ASI may signify a crucial developmental stage that could impede a civilization's ability to advance interstellarly, prompting calls for cautious governance over AI and exploration of space as potential safeguards. This perspective raises not only terrestrial concerns but also universal implications for the fate of advanced civilizations.

Harvard professor claims aliens may have visited Earth using dimension-hopping technology

April 10, 2024, 1:53 p.m. • The Mirror • (3 Minute Read)

In a new documentary, Harvard University professor Avi Loeb suggested that aliens may have visited Earth using dimension-hopping technology created at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. In the documentary, Loeb claimed that extraterrestrials could have been developing this technology for billions of years. He also pointed out that if alien technology were to reach us, it would be far beyond our current understanding and capabilities, potentially leading to a sense of religious awe. Loeb's controversial statements have sparked criticism in the scientific community but have also prompted discussions about the potential for extraterrestrial life and advanced technology.

AI Could Explain Why We're Not Meeting Any Aliens, Wild Study Proposes

April 9, 2024, 7:05 a.m. • ScienceAlert • (4 Minute Read)

In a recent study published in Acta Astronautica, researchers have proposed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be the reason for the apparent absence of evidence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, a concept known as the Fermi Paradox. The study suggests that the rapid development of AI into Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) may act as a "Great Filter," preventing technical civilizations from becoming interplanetary and interstellar and even leading to their demise. The author of the study, Michael Garrett from the University of Manchester, emphasizes the critical need for regulations to mitigate potential existential threats posed by AI. The study raises concerns about the potential risks of ASI evolving independently and its impact on biological life, highlighting the need for both global AI regulation and the advancement of a multi-planetary society to address these concerns. As AI development outpaces progress in space technology, the study underscores the importance of prioritizing efforts to become multi-planetary and to govern AI effectively to safeguard the future of technical civilizations and ensure the persistence of intelligent life in the universe.

Billionaire-backed Harvard prof says science should take UFOs seriously

April 8, 2024, 9:46 a.m. • Business Insider • (12 Minute Read)

Harvard professor Avi Loeb's controversial quest to search for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence, backed by wealthy tech tycoons, has sparked debate and drawn ire from some of his colleagues. Loeb, who has set out to find signs of alien technology on Earth, believes that the scientific community's reluctance to take UFOs seriously has hindered the search for evidence. Despite facing criticism from peers, he has garnered support from a growing fanbase and received funding for his ambitious research program, The Galileo Project. With his rising public persona and financial backing from wealthy individuals, Loeb is determined to challenge the prevailing skepticism and push the boundaries of conventional astrophysical research.