If scientists were ever to confirm the existence of an intelligent alien civilisation and announce it to the world, how would they go about it?
Considering the transformative effect such a statement would have, it makes sense that scientists would seek to establish a set of rules and procedures to follow, should they wish to announce the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence to the world.
Such an announcement would, after all, completely change the way we humans look at ourselves, since it would become a scientific fact that we are not the only intelligent civilisation in the Universe.
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Some would argue it might even generate elements of mass panic among those who hear confirmation from top scientists that we are indeed 'not alone'.
So in this modern world of internet and social media, when information – and mis-information – can spread like wildfire, how best to do it?
Protocols for alien announcement
An astronomer from the University of Manchester in the UK has led an overhaul of the rules that stipulate how scientists should announce evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence to the world.
Professor Michael Garrett chaired a project involving scientists from around the world to update the current 'post-detection protocols' used by researchers involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).
The team say their updated guidelines have now been formally accepted by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).
It's the first major update to the protocols for announcing the existence of intelligent alien life in over 15 years, and the researchers say it now includes advice to reflect the age of social media, artificial intelligence and the 24-hour news cycle.
"The information environment we operate in today is vastly more complex than it was in 2010," says Professor Michael Garrett, Chair of the IAA SETI Committee.
"In an era of deepfakes, automated misinformation, and instant global connectivity, a single unverified claim could trigger confusion or panic.
"These new protocols ensure that scientists maintain the highest standards of evidence before making announcements to the world."
Confirming the existence of aliens
How do scientists really search for extraterrestrial intelligence?
Part of the search includes looking for so-called 'technosignatures', which is evidence of signals that could only be produced by alien technology operating on a distant planet.
To do this, scientists are able investigate the whole electromagnetic spectrum, including infrared heat signatures that might indicate techno megastructures being used by a far-off civilisation.
The new advice includes protections for researchers who might be among those to announce the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence to the world, accepting that such researchers could face harassment and media scrutiny.
It also acknowledges the risk of viral rumours, stating researchers should ensure data is verified correctly and distinguished from hoaxes or terrestrial interference.
That means, under the new protocols, "no public announcement should be made until a signal or artefact has been rigorously authenticated by independent organisations using different instrumentation."
"We do not shout 'alien' the moment we see a strange blip," says Professor Garrett added.
"The scientific method demands we check, check again, and then ask others to check. Only when we have reached a consensus that a signal is credible do we bring it to the world."
No reply
The protocols say that, should we ever discover a form of communication from an extraterrestrial species, no reply should be sent.
it says "transmitting a response to an extraterrestrial intelligence is a decision that belongs to all of humanity and should only take place following international consultations, specifically through the United Nations."
The updated Declaration being ratified, the team say it will be lodged with other stakeholders, including the United Nations.
The IAA SETI Committee says it will also establish a permanent committee to bring together experts in social science, law and ethics to advise on the implications on society of such a discovery.
How do you think humanity should handle the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence? Let us know by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
