A Beacon in the Galaxy: Updated Arecibo Message for Potential FAST and SETI Projects (2203.04288v3)

Abstract: An updated, binary-coded message has been developed for transmission to extraterrestrial intelligences in the Milky Way galaxy. The proposed message includes basic mathematical and physical concepts to establish a universal means of communication followed by information on the biochemical composition of life on Earth, the Solar System's time-stamped position in the Milky Way relative to known globular clusters, as well as digitized depictions of the Solar System, and Earth's surface. The message concludes with digitized images of the human form, along with an invitation for any receiving intelligences to respond. Calculation of the optimal timing during a given calendar year is specified for potential future transmission from both the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope in China and the SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array in northern California to a selected region of the Milky Way which has been proposed as the most likely for life to have developed. These powerful new beacons, the successors to the Arecibo radio telescope which transmitted the 1974 message upon which this expanded communication is in part based, can carry forward Arecibo's legacy into the 21st century with this equally well-constructed communication from Earth's technological civilization.

• The paper introduces BITG—a modernized Arecibo message that encodes fundamental math and scientific concepts in binary format.
• It details the integration of biochemical data and cosmic coordinates, outlining Earth’s DNA structure and its position in the Milky Way.
• By leveraging modern radio telescopes like FAST and SETI’s ATA, the study invites extraterrestrial intelligences to engage in scientific dialogue.

Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Revisiting the Arecibo Message

The paper "A Beacon in the Galaxy: Updated Arecibo Message for Potential FAST and SETI Projects" presents a comprehensive proposal for a modernized interstellar communication intended to reach extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs) in the Milky Way. This endeavor is inspired by the original Arecibo Message transmitted in 1974, which was a pioneering attempt in the search for extraterrestrial life. The updated message, referred to as the Beacon in the Galaxy (BITG), is structured to offer a universal method of communication encompassing fundamental mathematical and physical concepts followed by insights into our biochemical makeup and location in the cosmos.

Key Contributions and Approach

The BITG message is meticulously crafted using binary coding, a universally recognizable format due to its simplicity and fundamental nature. It follows several key thematic structures:

1. Universal Concepts: Initially, the message addresses rudimentary mathematical concepts such as base-10 systems, prime numbers, and basic arithmetic operations. These concepts form the bedrock for communicating more advanced scientific information.
2. Physical and Biochemical Information: Following the mathematics section, the message introduces the biochemical makeup of life on Earth, including depictions of DNA and essential elements. This segment is critical for conveying the biological aspects of humanity and serves as a foundation for understanding Earth's biosphere.
3. Astronomical and Locational Data: The message further extends into astronomical data by depicting the Solar System's location using globular cluster coordinates and the Milky Way's map. This strategic approach addresses potential navigation for ETIs attempting to locate Earth.
4. Invitation for Response: A novel facet of the message is its inclusion of an open invitation for response, visually represented with images of telescopes exchanging signals. This aspect underscores the intent to establish a dialogue, should the message be intercepted and comprehended by an ETI.

Technological Considerations

Transmission of the BITG message is proposed to leverage modern advancements in radio astronomy, particularly China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) and the SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array (ATA). These instruments currently function as receptive devices but can be potentially upgraded for transmissions, carrying forward the legacy of the decommissioned Arecibo Observatory.

Implications and Future Directions

The implications of establishing contact with ETIs are not merely scientific but profoundly philosophical, impacting our understanding of life and our place in the universe. The impetus for sending such a message juxtaposes curiosity and caution. The debate within the scientific community reflects this duality, with proponents advocating for potential advancements in knowledge, while critics emphasize existential risks.

The paper presents a rational argument that any communicative ETI species would likely exhibit high levels of cooperation and have successfully navigated existential threats ('The Great Filter'). Thus, they might approach interstellar communication in a similarly collaborative spirit.

In future discourse, the iterative development of such messages could evolve, integrating more complex data in subsequent transmissions as technology advances. Potential enhancements could include cultural identifiers or advanced scientific theories along with leveraging advances in AI and computing to simulate and anticipate ETI interpretations of the message. As our capacities for astronomical investigations expand, so too will our methodologies for interstellar outreach.

In conclusion, the BITG message stands as a thoughtful and systematic attempt to connect with potential extraterrestrial intelligences, embracing our era's scientific advancements and inviting cross-cosmos discourse. The delicate interplay of speculative risk and the pursuit of knowledge reflects the cautiously optimistic approach of modern-day SETI initiatives.