Netflix’s 3 Body Problem: Why Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk Thought Sending Signals to Outer Space Was a Bad Idea
While watching the recent Netflix series, you may wonder whether we have indeed sent any messages to potential aliens. The answer is yes, we have — multiple times.
For those who have yet to see it (no spoilers ahead), the Netflix series “3-Body Problem” depicts a secret Chinese military project in the 1960s that sends signals into space in an attempt to establish contact with aliens, and explores the consequences for humanity.
In reality, we have been sending signals into space for decades with the hope that they might be detected by extraterrestrial civilizations. These signals mainly take the form of radio transmissions, which travel at the speed of light and have the potential to reach distant stars and planets. One notable example of such deliberate attempts is the Arecibo Message, sent in 1974 from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This binary-encoded message contained information about humanity and Earth’s location, with the hope that any intelligent extraterrestrial recipients might decipher it. Other notable attempts include Cosmic Call 1 and 2 in 1999 and 2003, Teen Age Message in 2001, Hello from Earth in 2009, and several others.
But is this a wise idea?
Well, according to Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk, it is not. In short, it is much wiser to keep a low profile and not seek trouble, especially when we don’t know who might receive such transmissions and what their intentions may be.
Criticism of deliberate messages sent into outer space has come from various quarters, including prominent scientists, businesspeople, and public figures. One of the most notable critics was the late Stephen Hawking, who warned against broadcasting signals into space due to potential risks posed by extraterrestrial civilizations. Hawking cautioned that instead of trying to find and communicate with life in the cosmos, humans would be better off doing everything they can to avoid contact.
“If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn’t turn out well for the Native Americans,” - Stephen Hawking.
In addition to scientists, figures from the business and public spheres have also voiced their concerns. For instance, Elon Musk has expressed reservations about actively attempting to communicate with extraterrestrial civilizations, citing concerns similar to those of Hawking regarding the unknown intentions and capabilities of potential alien beings.
In this regard, you can watch a crisp and entertaining 6-minute explanation of the so-called ‘Fermi Paradox’ below:
In 2015, there was even a document co-signed by a total of 28 space experts, including Elon Musk, George Dyson, and Lewis Dartnell. The document expressed concerns over actively contacting extraterrestrial intelligence.
Intentionally signaling other civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy raises concerns from all the people of Earth, about both the message and the consequences of contact. A worldwide scientific, political and humanitarian discussion must occur before any message is sent. METI Statement
What about non-intentional transmissions?
Yes, human activity on Earth and the radio emissions associated with it can potentially be detected in outer space. Radio signals, including those generated by technology and communication systems on Earth, can travel vast distances through space. While the intensity of these signals diminishes with distance, they can still be detected by sufficiently sensitive instruments at great distances from Earth.
Should I worry about it?
I don’t think so. Detecting and interpreting such signals, whether intentional or not, is not straightforward. The chances of these signals being detected and understood by extraterrestrial civilizations are extremely low, given the vastness of space and the limitations of our current technology.
More significant is the patience required in sending signals. Consider this: if the closest civilization lies 100 light-years away, we must anticipate a 200-year delay for any response. Engaging in deliberate broadcasting demands a long-term commitment, one that humanity has yet to fully embrace. To this point, only a handful of intentional messages, mostly symbolic in nature, have been transmitted.
As of now, despite our efforts, we have not received any confirmed signals from extraterrestrial civilizations.