1996 00 00 Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society - Vol 37 - Cole

Magazine Overview

This document is a correspondence piece from the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society (Q. J. R. astr. Soc.), Volume 37, published in 1996. The article, titled "THOUGHTS ON EXTRATERRESTRIALS PROMPTED BY TWO CONTRIBUTIONS IN A RECENT ISSUE OF QUARTERLY JOURNAL," is authored by G.H.A. Cole from the Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture at the University of Hull, UK. The piece is a reflection on the topic of extraterrestrial life, prompted by previous works cited in the journal.

Discussion on Extraterrestrials and the Fermi Question

The author begins by referencing the work of Tsiolovsky and comments on extraterrestrial technology, noting that thoughts on the subject persist. The core of the discussion revolves around the Fermi Question: "If 'they' are there why have 'they' not been here?" or its variant, "If 'they' are there why have we not at least heard from 'them'?"

Cole outlines two extreme viewpoints on the existence of extraterrestrials: one that there are none, and we are alone, and another that 'they' have intentionally kept us isolated, likening it to a "zoo."

The author addresses the difficulty of detecting signals, suggesting that our current equipment may not be sensitive enough for local domestic signals from afar. He posits that the simplest approach to ascertain the presence of others is to listen, but notes that universal listening leads to no conversation. He draws a parallel to the historical isolation chosen by Japan until external pressures forced interaction.

Cole emphasizes that the lack of positive evidence for extraterrestrials does not, in itself, constitute evidence against their existence.

Challenges of Space Travel and Distances

The article highlights the immense scale of the Solar System, which is considered intimidating and extends only a fraction of a light-year. The distances between neighboring stars are measured in light-years, and to more remote regions in tens or hundreds of light-years. Traveling beyond our Solar System presents extraordinary problems.

The energy required to approach speeds comparable to the speed of light is deemed uneconomic for practical travel. Even achieving ten percent or one percent of light speed presents formidable propulsion challenges. A journey of 1 to 10 light-years at these lower speeds would take 100 to 1000 years, respectively.

For creatures with a typical lifespan of around 70 years, such journeys into a hostile and unknown environment pose unimaginable logistical problems. Cole speculates that humanity, or "homo sapiens," might find excitement in filling the Solar System with life but will likely not venture into deep space exploration within the current limits of physics and engineering.

The Fermi Question Revisited: Lifespan and Physics

Cole questions whether extraterrestrials would face similar problems with space travel, suggesting that the vast distances might be the answer to the Fermi Question. He argues that even with unbelievably advanced technology, the laws of physics and the mean lifespan of an individual must be controlling factors for long-term projects.

Missions involving the birth of new members and the death of old ones during the mission would present significant sociological problems. Cole proposes that extraterrestrials might avoid these issues if their mean lifespans were much longer, perhaps thousands of years. This leads to the possibility that extraterrestrials may simply not live long enough to engage in extensive space exploration or contact.

Implications for Contact and Local Phenomena

These considerations suggest that life, whether elementary or advanced, might be a purely local phenomenon. Contact between different groupings across vast distances could only have curiosity value. The challenge of elucidating problems of language and culture over distances requiring many "earthling" lifetimes would be a frustrating experience, potentially more so than communicating on the Internet.

The author concludes that while we and other extraterrestrials can explore the universe through science and thought, accidental communication might occur. However, expecting a readily available "cosmic exploration society and coffee club" to join is deemed unrealistic.

References

The article includes a list of five references, citing works from Q. J. R. Astr. Soc. and Icarus, published between 1973 and 1995.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this correspondence are the Fermi Paradox, the physical and temporal challenges of interstellar travel, the potential limitations imposed by lifespans, and the speculative nature of extraterrestrial intelligence and contact. The editorial stance, as represented by the publication of this piece, appears to be one that encourages thoughtful discussion and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical questions related to astronomy and the possibility of life beyond Earth.