Featured Image Credit: SETI Institute / Whale Video Company
Scientists identify the source of eerie ocean rings used as a 'communication' signal that could help them locate extraterrestrial life in space.
The natural world is full of incredible communication systems that scientists are only beginning to understand. From the unique whistles animals use to their deep infrasonic calls, it's incredible how much more we keep discovering about their cleverness and the complex ways they communicate.
But what if studying these earthbound communication methods could help us understand life in outer space?
For years, researchers have observed mysterious bubble formations in the ocean only when humpback whales are gathering prey or attracting a mate.
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Now, scientists from the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) revealed that large 'smoke ring-like' bubbles coming from underwater are how the whales greet nearby humans.
This remarkable discovery marks the first time scientists have documented whales producing these distinctive rings specifically while interacting with people in their natural habitat. As such, the SETI team describes the bubble trail as an intentional attempt to catch human attention.
"They are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication," said study co-lead author Dr. Fred Sharpe from the University of California-Davis.
In the study, the research team analysed 12 separate bubble ring incidents involving 11 different humpback whales, collecting data from 2019 to 2023. Data was gathered through reports from naturalists, citizen scientists, and researchers who shared their observations on social media, in interviews, and at scientific conferences.
In total, witnesses documented 39 individual bubble rings from various vantage points, including whale-watching boats, research vessels, private ships, and even aircraft.
Specifically, three main reasons were identified for the production of bubble rings. These included feeding behaviour, resting periods, and what researchers categorised as 'curiosity' - which turned out to be the most common motivation.
Now, the WhaleSETI team is using the interactions to understand how intelligent extraterrestrial life might attempt to communicate with humans on Earth.
As a non-profit organisation, the SETI Institute is dedicated to exploring extraterrestrial intelligence and studying the origins and nature of life in the universe.
The findings suggest that just as whales appear to target humans they perceive as non-threatening, alien civilisations might specifically aim signals at Earth's satellite technology, suggesting peaceful communication.
"This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behaviour in humpback whales," added SETI Institute scientist and study co-author Dr. Laurance Doyle.
Interestingly, nine specific instances in the study found the humpback whales producing bubble rings near boats and swimmers. In these encounters, the whales consistently approached humans without showing any signs of aggression or distress and were, in fact, engaging in playful behaviours.
