Stephen Hawking warns scientists not to make contact with aliens.
Whether or not we are alone in the universe has been at the core of endless debates for several decades now. As technology continues to evolve, scientists become more aware of the possibility that aliens might lurk in the darkness studying our behavior from afar. One of these illustrious researchers is the world-renowned cosmologist and physicist, Stephen Hawking.
He is part of the Breakthrough Listen. The main purpose of the extensive project is to develop sensitive radio receivers and ultimately use these to listen in on alien civilizations in space. At the same time, another project, namely the Breakthrough Message seeks to design a form of a digital message that humans could send to aliens. However, there are several strict regulations when it comes to contacting extraterrestrial species.
“Not to transmit any message until there has been a global debate on the risks and rewards”, reads the Breakthrough Message program.
However, regardless of what the global debate’s resolution might be, Stephen Hawking is not particularly keen on making contact with an alien civilization just yet. Instead, he wants humans to keep a low profile, should scientist ever discover any tangible proof of advanced extraterrestrial life on other planets.
The Main Reason Hawking is Holding Back
According to the renowned cosmologist, any planet that would resemble the Earth’s unique structure, able to support life, would be at least 2 billion years older than our own. As a result, if there is an alien civilization inhabiting such a planet, the individuals would have an edge of several millennia over humans.
Moreover, he believes that if humans and aliens achieve contact, the barbaric tendencies might obliterate life on Earth. His logic is based mainly on our own history. It seems that while humans evolve, the rates of genocide, tribal warfare, and ethnic cleansing also rise to alarming levels. Hence, he draws the conclusion that aliens wouldn’t be much different from us, in this case.
Another compelling argument would be that a more advanced alien civilization would seek to enslave humanity or simply eradicate the living individuals. Or simply put, a full-blown invasion.
At the same time, the scientist also fears that we may have already given up our location and existence by heavily broadcasting radio and TV shows. Mainly because radio waves are known to travel with ease and cover great distances in space.
Another theory suggests that by simply listening in on an alien conversation, a great deal of harm could come out of it. If the aliens pick up on us, they could manufacture something like a Trojan horse virus that would seriously impact life on Earth as we know it. At the moment, these are only theories and speculations. However, Stephen Hawking expresses serious concerns and advises scientists not to attempt to make direct contact with aliens if they are ever going to find advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.
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