Artificial Intelligence in Communication with Extraterrestrial Civilizations: New Horizons

Communication with Extraterrestrial Civilizations: Artificial Intelligence and New Horizons

Humanity has been wondering for centuries whether we are alone in the universe and has been striving to search for life forms beyond Earth. These efforts are supported by organizations such as SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence). However, so far, we have not succeeded in communicating with intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations.

Recent technological advancements have the potential to take these efforts to a new dimension. In particular, the rise of generative artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT has led scientists to consider using AI for communication with alien civilizations. This innovative approach involves using artificial intelligence language models to transmit humanity’s knowledge and understanding to distant stars.

In an article published in Scientific American, astronomer Franch Marchis from the SETI Institute and NASA researcher Ignacio G. Lopez-Francois explore how artificial intelligence language models can be used to communicate with alien civilizations. They emphasize the need to develop new communication methods, such as powerful lasers that will transmit data into space, aimed at reaching extraterrestrial civilizations.

However, this approach faces some serious challenges. Existing AI models have the potential for error and may require large amounts of resources. Researchers suggest using smaller open-source models like Meta’s Llama-3-70B or Mistral AI’s Mixtral 8x22B for this specific mission. These models can be optimized for this task by reducing their size using techniques such as quantization.

Data transmission over interstellar distances brings its own challenges. Traditional methods, such as radio transmission or lasers, can be used; however, current technology can take hundreds of years to reach other star systems. For example, a small AI model could reach Alpha Centauri in about 20 years, while larger models might take centuries. To accelerate this process, scientists are exploring the use of more powerful lasers or leveraging the gravitational lensing of the sun.

Additionally, the idea of placing AI on space probes is also being considered, with the expectation that these probes will be discovered by aliens. However, this innovative idea carries many uncertainties. It is still unclear which planets we should send our messages to or how long we should wait to receive a response.

Although this concept is speculative, it stands out as an exciting frontier that could reshape our search for alien life. The idea of communicating with aliens using artificial intelligence may sound familiar from science fiction works like Netflix’s 3 Body Problem; however, it can also be regarded as a serious proposal with the potential to transform interstellar communication.

While developing such technologies, we must also be prepared for the unexpected possibilities that may arise from making contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.