Contacting aliens can destroy Earth's life

While astronomers are searching for stronger ways to search for extraterrestrial civilizations, some researchers warn us to be cautious with this ambition.

Lucianne Walkowicz, astrophysicist at Adler Planetarium in Chicago, USA, told the NBC news agency that contacting aliens could be disastrous for humans.

"It is possible that if we actively convey the message, with the intention of attracting the attention of another civilization in the universe, the civilization we communicate with will not necessarily pay attention to the benefits. "The best of humanity on Earth . It can destroy life on Earth or can promote better life on the planet. We don't know it yet," Walkowicz said.

Physics genius Stephen Hawking says that we are playing a dangerous game when we try to communicate with extraterrestrial civilization. In a recent interview, Mr. Hawking said, if aliens discovered Earth, they were more likely to invade and turn our planet into colonies.

If aliens discover Earth, they are more likely to invade and turn our planet into a colony.

However, Jill Tarter, co-founder and former director of Seti Institute, an organization that specializes in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, doesn't think so. Ms. Tarter argues that if aliens find a way to move around the universe, they will also be wise enough to pursue peace and friendliness.

The basic diplomatic etiquette for the first contact has been issued since the 1980s, but these are merely guidelines instead of an action plan for a truly alien communication. According to Seth Shostak, head of efforts to find radio signals from extraterrestrial civilizations, we still have much to do to implement such an action plan. Mr. Shostak likened our current reaction to extraterrestrial beings "to be like the ancient Neanderthals in the event of a sudden encounter with the US Air Force".

Mr. Shostak is currently a senior astronomer at Seti Institute. In the 1990s, he was president of a committee drafting a "post-discovery diplomatic protocol" for researchers looking for extraterrestrial civilization.

"If you get a signal, check it . tell people . and not broadcast any reply without international consultation," the guide quoted.

However, all these guidelines have not changed since then. They are also not mandatory. Shostak said the United Nations also had little interest in updating them.