Re:New ways to catch gravitational waves
by colmmacc on Friday June 28, 2024 @11:38AM
(#40821757)
The medium is the message. If we detected a modulated signal in gravitational waves, it would be like an Iron Age tribe receiving a 100 foot tall perfectly polished stainless steel statue with ornate inscriptions and pictograms. It would be recognizable and within our conception, but it would also be a demonstration of development and access to resources beyond our imagination. That's the upside. In a galaxy of sparse and sparingly advanced civilizations, the message might be "fear us and stay away" in a way that EM would not convey.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
>it would also be a demonstration of development and access to resources beyond our imagination. That's the upside [...] In a galaxy of sparse and sparingly advanced civilizations, the message might be "fear us and stay away" in a way that EM would not convey.
I think you've hit the crux the question. If there are only a few civilizations, I agree, that'd be an awe-inspiring deterrent.
However, if you don't know how many civilizations there are that are similarly advanced to your own, sending out a big "we're here!" message may be quite risky.
In terms of game theory, it's a sequential and incomplete information game. I think the smartest decision is to remain quiet.
I think the UN should force nations to remain quiet. Srop the signals that can be stopped, especially the ones designed to go far.