The search program for extraterrestrial civilizations SETI has been unsuccessfully operating since the 1980s. The basic principle of its work is to search for signals or phenomena in space that will differ from the general “background” in the radio or optical band. If we imagine that aliens act the same way, then our strategy is erroneous – people have not bothered to send a clear signal about themselves to the Universe yet. MIT proposes to create a Giant Porch light to attract aliens or Extraterrestrial life to Earth.
Should people attract the attention of alien civilizations or not?
Since we are looking for them, it will happen anyway. And it would be advisable to designate us in advance. For this purpose, a feasibility study for the construction of a sp ace laser beacon has been prepared.
The author of the study, James Clark, said that the system should be double. This is a 2-megawatt laser with a reflector of 30m in diameter and a 1-megawatt laser with a reflector of 45m. They will emit signals alternately at different intervals to show the man-made nature of the phenomenon and will be seen at a distance up to 20,000 light years. The further dispersion will become too strong to transmit coded information in this way.
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At present, there is neither the technology for creating such powerful lasers, nor such huge reflector mirrors, or economically advantageous energy sources. In addition, a laser beam can accidentally knock down satellites that fall into it, so putting a space beacon on Earth is not very convenient. And here the Moon can be used, particularly, its reverse side, from where scientists can safely send signals with a laser of any kind of power. Moreover, there are solid reserves of helium-3 there, so the issue of the source of energy is also resolved. Such an ambitious project will require the joint efforts of all mankind, but the potential benefit from it exceeds the costs.
