A former NASA expert has revealed what would happen in the first three weeks after making contact with aliens.
It’s the stuff of sci-fi blockbusters but what would actually happen if humans finally made contact with extraterrestrial life in outer space?
It’s something scientists have been trying to achieve for decades and it’s a very real possibility.
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In the 1970s, NASA’s Deep Space Network sent signals to the Pioneer 10 satellite, which could be picked up by other intelligent life.
If that does happen, then it's likely their response will be received by the large telescopes on Earth such as the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and FAST in China.
This is according to one ex-NASA expert, Sylvester Kaczmarek.
It isn’t clear exactly how governments around the world would respond if Earth made contact with aliens but there are certain organizations such as the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) that have set up some guidelines.
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According to Kaczmarek: “Governments would also become quickly involved, particularly those with advanced space programs or defense capabilities, like the US Space Force or equivalent agencies.
“However, in such a scenario, there would likely be confusion and competing interests before a unified global strategy emerged.”
He added: “This transparency could be delayed depending on geopolitical or security concerns, especially if governments or defense agencies got involved.”
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In the first two weeks after alien contact, the signal would be analyzed and discussions would start to take place on how to respond.
Kaczmarek said: “In principle, the United Nations would play a central role in any coordinated global response.
“The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the most likely body to lead, as it oversees the peaceful use of outer space and has existing treaties, like the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, that cover international cooperation in space.”
However, the expert shared that the response to the aliens would vary depending on how the contact was made.
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For example, if Earth received a visit then there would be a direct response but if we picked up a signal then ‘long-term planning’ would take place in order to craft a response.
The Declaration of Principles Concerning the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence has said that replying to an extraterrestrial signal would likely be a ‘global decision’.
It said: “In the case of the confirmed detection of a signal, signatories to this declaration will not respond without first seeking guidance and consent of a broadly representative international body, such as the United Nations.”