Quantum signals could travel across the Milky Way, carrying possible alien messages undisturbed.
Key Takeaways:
- Scientists suggest that intelligent aliens might use quantum communication to send messages to Earth.
- Quantum particles, like X-ray photons, could travel across interstellar space without losing their quantum nature.
- The study found that X-ray photons could traverse hundreds of thousands of light-years intact.
- Researchers propose searching for quantum teleportation signals as potential alien messages.
- This discovery could reshape the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by incorporating quantum communication.
_________
A groundbreaking new study suggests that intelligent extraterrestrials, if they exist, could be using quantum communication to send messages across interstellar space. Researchers Arjun Berera and Jaime Calderón Figueroa from the University of Edinburgh published their findings in Physical Review D, revealing that quantum particles, such as photons, could survive long-distance space travel, making interstellar quantum communication possible.
Quantum Communication Beyond Earth
Quantum communication is a rapidly developing field on Earth, using quantum particles to transmit information with higher security than traditional methods. However, a major challenge is decoherence, where quantum states are disrupted by their environment. In space, where matter density is much lower than on Earth, quantum particles could remain stable over vast distances.
Berera and Calderón Figueroa analyzed how far X-ray photons—particles of light—could travel before decoherence occurs. Their calculations suggest that X-ray photons could traverse the entire Milky Way, potentially traveling hundreds of thousands of light-years or even farther while retaining their quantum properties. This makes it theoretically possible for an advanced alien civilization to send quantum messages that we could detect.
Searching for Alien Quantum Signals
The researchers propose that scientists searching for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) could expand their efforts to include quantum signals. One potential method involves looking for quantum teleportation signals—where the properties of one particle are transferred to another—which would require both quantum and classical signals. By identifying such simultaneous signals, researchers might uncover evidence of quantum communication from an alien civilization.
This study opens new possibilities in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, suggesting that advanced civilizations could be using quantum technology beyond our current capabilities. As quantum communication technology progresses on Earth, future observations may help determine whether we are truly alone in the universe—or if someone out there is already trying to talk to us.
