It’s a moment that has been depicted countless times in science fiction, but what would really happen when the aliens made contact through a signal captured on Earth?
The moment could come as early as the end of this decade: if extraterrestrials receive the signals sent by NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) to the Pioneer 10 satellite in the 1970s, for example.
When the time comes, the signal will most likely be received by large ground-based telescopes such as the FAST in China, the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and the Parkes Telescope in Australia, says former NASA expert Sylvester Kaczmarek .
day one
There is no universally agreed upon rule for how scientists or governments would respond, or for questions such as whether aliens would have rights.
But alien-focused organizations, including the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), put together a framework in 2010.
Instead of immediately announcing the find to the world, scientists would work to confirm that it was real, first ruling out interference from Earth, such as satellites and radio transmissions.
A mysterious signal at the Parkes radio telescope in the 1990s was discovered to be a microwave oven in the staff cafeteria.
Kaczmarek says: “For a signal to be considered potentially extraterrestrial, researchers would typically require multiple layers of confirmation and analysis, often over several weeks or months.
The signal will most likely be received by large ground-based telescopes, such as the Parkes Telescope in Australia (pictured).
“The signal would have to demonstrate properties incompatible with natural astrophysical sources and man-made interference.”
In SETI’s ‘Statement of Principles on the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence’, published in 2010 with the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), the guidelines suggest that discoverers should collaborate with other institutions to ensure that the signal is real.
Nothing will be announced until it is confirmed, although scientists will respond to media queries if the news is “leaked.”
week one (after confirmation)
Observatory scientists would notify organizations such as the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Kaczmarek says that while organizations like SETI have their own strategies for first contact in the event of sudden contact, it is almost certain that organizations with experience in space communications like NASA and ESA would get involved.
WEEK ONE: Once scientists are sure, the discovery will be shared, likely through a public announcement including a press release and scientific publication, informing the world that extraterrestrials have been discovered.
SETI’s Seth Shostak, who has a plan for what will happen when an extraterrestrial signal is received
Kaczmarek says: ‘Governments would also quickly become involved, particularly those with advanced space programs or defense capabilities, such as the US Space Force or equivalent agencies.
“However, in such a scenario, there would likely be confusion and competing interests before a unified global strategy emerged.”
Once scientists are sure, the discovery will be shared, probably through a public announcement including a press release and a scientific publication, Kaczmarek says.
Kaczmarek says: “This transparency could be delayed depending on geopolitical or security concerns, especially if governments or defense agencies become involved.”
But once the secret is out, it is likely to be leaked, so governments will likely try to get ahead of the panic and confusion that would ensue.
week two
One of the first things that would happen would be to “protect” the frequency on which the signal was received to ensure that more signals could be received.
WEEK TWO: Chaos breaks out around the world after learning of the alien signal
Scientists would use emergency procedures within the World Radiocommunication Administrative Council of the International Telecommunication Union.
SETI guidelines suggest establishing a Post-Detection Study Group to analyze the signal and initiate discussions on how to respond.
At this point, the United Nations will likely be involved in deciphering the signal and determining how to respond.
Kaczmarek says: ‘In principle, the United Nations would play a central role in any coordinated global response.
Sylvester Kaczmarek is a former NASA space and artificial intelligence expert
“The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the body most likely to lead, as it oversees the peaceful uses of outer space and has existing treaties, such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which cover international cooperation in space.
Scientists and governments would work together at this point to understand where the signal came from, what it means and whether to respond or not.
week three
The response to extraterrestrial contact would vary depending on the form it took: a visit from a spacecraft would require a direct response, Kaczmarek says.
But a signal received from the depths of space would require “long-term planning” to respond.
Responding to such a signal is likely to be a global decision, according to the Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.
Instead of scientists or any group formulating an answer, scientists would look to global groups like the United Nations for guidance.
The document says: “In the event of confirmed detection of a signal, the signatories of this statement will not respond without first seeking the guidance and consent of a broadly representative international body, such as the United Nations.”