Recently, a study said that aliens or extraterrestrial beings can detect Earth’s airports from 200 light-years away. What does this mean for our planet and our space presence? Let’s find out.
What does the study say?
According to Gizmodo, scientists have found that radio signals from Earth, especially airport radar signals, are so powerful that they can travel hundreds of light-years into space. These signals are used to control air traffic but now scientists believe that these signals can be a map for an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. That means if an alien civilization is looking at us from 200 light-years away, they can detect our airport activities.
How do these signals work?
Radar systems at Earth’s airports send out radio waves to track airplanes. These waves are so strong that some even travel beyond the atmosphere into space. According to the study, if an extraterrestrial civilization is using technology like radio telescopes, they can pick up these signals. The cool thing is that these signals also indicate the exact locations of airports on the Earth’s surface. For example, signals from major airports like New York’s JFK or Delhi’s IGI are the strongest.
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The connection between aliens and Earth
This is also significant for SETI which stands for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence program. SETI has been trying to find signals from extraterrestrial civilizations for decades but now the question is are we ourselves sending signals of our presence into space? If an alien civilization picks up these signals, they will not only know that intelligent life exists on Earth but also how advanced our technology is.
What are the risks?
But this also comes with some concerns. If aliens are picking up our signals, will they try to reach out to us? And if they do, will their intentions be friendly? Some scientists believe that we should not broadcast our presence so openly. For example, Stephen Hawking warned that contact with extraterrestrial civilizations could be dangerous. On the other hand, some scientists see it as an opportunity because it could give us a chance to make friends in the galaxy.
Future possibilities scientists have to rethink their approach. Should we reduce radio signals or design them to send messages to extraterrestrial civilizations? Some scientists are suggesting that we should deliberately send signals with information about our culture and history. That would be a positive message to the aliens.
