Wish to talk to stars? Yes, you really can—here's how
What's the story
Interstellar radio message crafting workshops offer a unique blend of science, creativity, and curiosity. In these sessions, participants explore how to design messages that could potentially be understood by extraterrestrial intelligence. By combining linguistics, mathematics, and astrophysics, they create signals that can be transmitted across the cosmos, bridging the vast distances between stars in the ultimate attempt at interstellar communication.
Foundations
Understanding the basics of cosmic communication
Before participants start creating messages, it's crucial to understand the fundamental concepts of cosmic communication. Workshops start with an explanation of why radio waves are ideal for interstellar messaging - they can travel vast distances with little degradation. They are taught about the speed of light being the universe's ultimate speed limit, and how this means our message will take years, even millennia, to reach potential alien listeners.
Universal language
The language of mathematics and symbols
One key element of designing interstellar messages is the use of mathematics and symbols, which is a universal language. Workshops involve participants in creating simple mathematical sequences and diagrams that would be universally understood. The premise is that any civilization advanced enough to intercept the message would grasp basic mathematical principles.
Visual communication
Incorporating visual elements in messages
In workshops, they stress the importance of visual elements for interstellar messages. Participants create pictograms to communicate information about human biology and culture, bypassing the limitations of language. These simple drawings strive for universal comprehension, highlighting our place in space and the unique aspects of human life to potential extraterrestrial civilizations.
Technicalities
Technical aspects: Frequency selection and transmission power
A significant portion of these workshops is dedicated to learning why we would use certain frequencies for interstellar transmission and why we need specific power levels. They delve into the intricacies of the "water hole" frequency range — the sweet spot for cosmic communication due to its low background noise — and grapple with the technical challenges of broadcasting a signal powerful enough to cut through the galactic noise.
Getting started
Practical tips for aspiring cosmic communicators
For the enthusiasts who want to transmit their messages into space, workshops offer guidance on how to collaborate with observatories that have powerful radio telescopes. They cover aspects like transmission costs (which can range depending on duration and power), and even legal stuff you need to know before you start beaming signals into the cosmos.