Why Scientists Say Our First Alien Contact Could Be Extremely Loud and Far From Friendly ETs in the Movies

New findings indicate that the first interaction between humans and extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) may not align with the peaceful, friendly encounters frequently portrayed in films.

David Kipping, who leads the Cool Worlds Lab at Columbia University, has introduced the Eschatian Hypothesis, a theory suggesting that the initial signals we receive from extraterrestrial civilisations are expected to be extremely loud.

'The first confirmed detection of an extraterrestrial technological civilisation is most likely to be an atypical example, one that is unusually 'loud',' Kipping explained in his recent paper published on arXiv, which is owned and operated by Cornell University.

These signals could indicate a civilisation facing crisis—unstable, fleeting, or potentially approaching its end.

The hypothesis, also explained through a YouTube video released by Cool Worlds, highlights similarities with findings in astronomy. Initial discoveries of exoplanets, particularly those surrounding pulsars, did not accurately reflect the wider array of these celestial bodies. They were simply the most accessible to detect.

Kipping suggests that a similar principle holds true for ETIs. We are more inclined to detect civilisations that emit the strongest techno-signatures, rather than those that are more common or flourishing in silence, according to him.

Examples of these 'loud' signals include the accidental discharge of significant energy or radiation, as well as intentional efforts to communicate urgent messages throughout the universe. The famous 'Wow!' signal from 1977, which momentarily baffled astronomers, is referenced as a possible instance of a plea for assistance from a civilisation approaching its own end times.

Will Aliens Be Like in the Movies?

Hollywood has consistently depicted extraterrestrial beings as either kind-hearted guides for humanity or aggressive invaders aiming to take over our planet. However, Kipping and fellow researchers advise caution when it comes to anticipating such cinematic occurrences.

The initial event is expected to be an impersonal, observational occurrence—potentially a brief surge of electromagnetic radiation or a peculiar cosmic phenomenon—rather than a direct interaction. 'The history of astronomical discovery shows that many of the most detectable phenomena ... are rare, extreme cases with disproportionately large observational signatures,' Kipping said in the paper.

Simply put, the Eschatian Hypothesis suggests that instead of the gentle and benevolent ET portrayed in films, we might witness signs of a civilisation on the brink of collapse, sending out extreme signals detectable from light-years away.

What Does 'Eschatian' Mean?

The term 'Eschatian' is derived from eschatology, a field in theology concerned with death, judgement, and the end times. In this context, it suggests that our first encounter with extraterrestrial life could originate from a civilisation nearing its own conclusion. A civilisation like this might be producing signals that can be detected, either as a result of its decline or as a frantic cry for help.

Kipping advocates for a focus on extensive, high-frequency surveys in the quest for these signals, aiming to capture rare cosmic occurrences. According to Universe Today, institutions such as the Vera Rubin Observatory and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey are advancing towards a strategy of ongoing monitoring, enhancing the likelihood of identifying unusual signals before they disappear from sight.

Implications for Humanity's Search for ET

For researchers, the Eschatian Hypothesis reshapes the quest for life beyond our planet. Instead of focusing on specific, narrowly defined techno-signatures, research initiatives might gain from a broader approach. This could be observing for anomalies in flux, spectrum, or apparent motion that remain unexplained by established astrophysical phenomena.