While extraterrestrial beings are a common feature of pop culture, we are yet to find any proof that there is actually life outside of our planet.
Due to the vast expanse of the universe, many experts share the belief alien life is very likely to exist, so if that is true, why haven’t they reached out? A NASA scientist might have the answer.
Astrophysicist Dr Robin Corbet has offered up a new theory known as ‘radical mundanity’, which could explain why aliens haven’t made contact with Earth.
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According to this theory, alien civilizations that may exist elsewhere in the universe are not significantly more technologically advanced than we are and likely use tech in a similar way that we do.
In a report by the Independent, it details how Corbet argues that aliens likely lack the proper technology or motivation to be able to send out beacons powerful enough to be detected from Earth.
While Corbet has said that there is a ‘reasonable chance’ we could one day make contact with an alien civilization, the discovery would likely be ‘slightly disappointing’ because they wouldn’t have any ‘super science’ capabilities like faster-than-light travel.
There are other theories surrounding why we haven’t found any ET civilizations yet, with some being more sinister than ‘radical mundanity’.
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Another reason why we haven’t had communications from aliens yet could possibly be explained by the Dark Forest hypothesis.
This is a theory that suggests that the universe is a hostile place where alien civilizations must remain quiet and hidden in order to avoid being found and invaded by other alien civilizations.
According to this theory, we haven’t heard from ETs because they are remaining silent to avoid detection and potential destruction by other, potentially hostile, civilizations.
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By broadcasting our whereabouts, it could be argued that we might be putting humanity at risk of invasion from alien life.
Humanity has been anything but silent though, as back in 1974, scientists sent a message out to space using the Arecibo radio telescope as a symbol of humanity’s technological capabilities.
Aimed at a group of stars located a whopping 22,000 light years away from Earth, the message is still yet to reach its destination and it won’t arrive in our lifetime.
Instead, it is expected to arrive in a whopping 222 centuries.