Despite widespread speculation that aliens have visited Earth after a series of UFOs were shot down over the U.S., the White House has confirmed the flying objects were not of extraterrestrial origin. But what would first contact with aliens actually look like? Newsweek spoke to experts to find out.
How Would Aliens Make First Contact?
“I think the most likely way we would detect aliens is via their transmissions into space,” Michael Garrett, Sir Bernard Lovell chair in Astrophysics at the University of Manchester, in the U.K, told Newsweek. “This is what SETI is looking for—mostly in the radio and optical part of the spectrum.”
Garrett is also chair of the International Academy of Astronautics’ Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Permanent Committee. Not to be confused with the SETI Institute, which is a nonprofit research organization that was set up in the 1980s in California to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence.
“We point our antennas around the sky hoping to pick up a signal that would tell us somebody’s out there,” Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, told Newsweek. “The other things that are being looked for are interstellar lasers—flashing lights, if you will—which is basically the same idea but with lasers instead of radio transmitters.”
However, even if we were to detect one of these signals, John Zarnecki, emeritus professor of space science at The Open University in the U.K, said that it would be difficult to engage in a coherent conversation. “The nearest star, and presumably planetary system, is about four light-years away,” Zarnecki told Newsweek. “So the conversation would be strange: ‘Hello, how are you?; send signal; wait 4.25 years for signal to arrive.’
“Suppose we receive the signal. We think about it and decide how to reply. Suppose that takes nine months, then we send back ‘Fine, thank you very much,’ and that takes another 4.25 years. So already that is 10 years and we have not got very far! And this all assumes we can find a common language.”
Then, of course, there is the question of how different governments would react to a verified signal. “There is no agreed protocol with respect to who speaks for planet Earth,” Garrett said.
In addition to lasers and radio signals, Shostak said that scientists are looking for more tangible signs of extraterrestrial life. “One thing that we are doing more of, which I think is a good idea, is to look for alien artifacts—the universe has been around for 13 billion years; Earth has been around for 4 billion, so we’re the new kids on the block. And what that means is that if there are aliens out there, most of them are more advanced than we are and some of them could be billions of years more advanced […] so it may pay to look for something that a very, very advanced society has made.”
One example of such an advanced technology might be a Dyson sphere: an enormous hypothetical constellation of mirrors and/or solar panels arranged around a star, that would be capable of harvesting massive amounts of energy.
Have We Been Invaded by Aliens?
In a briefing on February 13, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that there was “no indication” that the four high-altitude objects taken down by U.S. fighter jets since February 4 had anything to do with aliens or extraterrestrial activity. This did not come as a surprise to our experts.
“If you got on board our fastest rockets, those go about 10 miles a second,” Shostak said. “That’s pretty fast […] but even at that speed, to go to the nearest other star would take you 75,000 years. So, it’s really difficult to go from one star system to another. [You would need] to have access to enormous amounts of energy, or have a lot of good books to read and be willing to sit on a rocket ship for a long time. It’s just not practical, and that’s why they wouldn’t do it, when all they have to do is build a big antenna, pick up your television, and learn everything they want to know about us by watching TV.”
Even if aliens were to send UFOs to Earth—which are now officially referred to as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs)—Zarnecki said that the recent flying objects did not seem like likely contenders for such vessels. “It seems highly unlikely that an advanced intelligence would travel across the vast distances of interstellar space at speeds approaching the speed of light and then deploy what seem like rather ‘clunky’ balloons apparently with ‘strings’ attached to them!
“Also, they would expect them to be detected surely—is this really the way they would want to announce themselves?”
Shostak also said the recent takedowns did not seem like likely contenders for first-contact UFOs. “It’s possible first contact [entails] that aliens send[ing] big balloons dozens of light-years into space to sort of tease our Air Force, but it doesn’t seem very reasonable,” he said. “There’s nothing about these balloons that looks the least bit puzzling—it’s not like that thing couldn’t have been made by humans.”
Garrett said that at least one of these balloons has been confirmed as a Chinese surveillance device. “Presumably the others are too. There is no need to invoke a UFO explanation in my opinion.”
Are We Alone in the Universe?
While the recent spate of UFO sightings are not evidence of an alien invasion, that does not mean we are alone in the universe. “The universe is chock-a-block with planets,” Shostak said. “Most of them are not interesting for life—places like Jupiter and Saturn—but even if maybe 5 or 10 percent of all planets could support life, that means that there are millions and millions of planets in our own galaxy where there could be life.
“Maybe most of that life is just things like bacteria, but you could expect that evolution might eventually produce intelligent beings. So, I really don’t think we could be alone.”
And research groups around the world continue to monitor the airwaves for signs of extraterrestrial life. “Nothing has been found so far, but that isn’t to say that they’re not out there,” Shostak said.
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about aliens? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
If Aliens Visited Earth, First Contact Probably Wouldn’t Be UFO Balloons
LEAVE A REPLY
Recent Comments
Megyn Kelly Slams Sports Columnist, Calls Her a ‘National Disgrace’ and Asks to ‘Shut the F*CK Up!’
on
Comparing the Humongous Combined Wealth of Latest Business Partners Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy
on
Hallmark’s The Way Home Stars Explain The Balance Between Time Travel And Family Drama In New Series
on
Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on
‘Mission: Impossible’ must emulate Tom Cruise’s $1.4 billion box office haul to replace Ethan Hunt
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
Viral Tiktok Puts Tom Cruise’s Les Grossman In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, And It’s-A F-ing Great
on
Tom Cruise Is Teaming Up With The Revenant Director For His First Movie Post-Mission: Impossible 8
on
Tom Cruise And Nicole Kidman Face The Brunt Of Scathing Comments From Eyes Wide Shut Screenwriter
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on
PGA Show 2023: Best finds, exhibitor list, vendors, floor plan, schedule, dates, more from Orlando
on
Monday Mailbag: What’s next for Sean O’Malley, is Chito Vera impossible to finish, rest of UFC 299
on
LIVALL Showcases Smart Helmets For Cyclists And Commuters At Pepcom Holiday Shopping Preview Event
on
Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on
How my Apple Watch proved the ultimate travel necessity when I spent a week halfway around the world
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on
Inside Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager’s ‘amazing’ luxury spring break vacations with their families
on
Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on
In
on
If Tom Cruise Ever Gets A Theme Park, Here’s What Movies Should Get Their Own Rides And Attractions
on
‘I Will Immediately Retire From Boxing and Fight Jorge Masvidal…’: Jake Paul Starts 2023 With a Bang
on
How The Other Half Fly: VistaJet Goes To Enviable Lengths To Make Air Travel Better For Your Body
on
Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on
Growing number of sports bras, athletic wear found with high levels of toxic chemical, watchdog says
on
GM Cruise Setbacks And EV Profitability Concerns: Analyst Lowers Expectations for Future Investments
on
Fresno State at Nevada live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on
Florida lawmakers introduce bills that would criminalize storming fields, courts at sporting events
on
FIU vs. Jacksonville State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on
East Carolina vs. Tulane basketball game postponed following death of Pirates announcer Jeff Charles
on
EA Sports College Football 25, among most anticipated sports video games in history, hits the market
on
Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Donovan Mitchell will be extra motivated to carry the Cavaliers, plus other best bets for Tuesday
on
Disney Cruise Line Announces New Fireworks Show and More Details About ‘Silver Anniversary at Sea’
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
Death toll from Ian, storm-caused flooding crosses 50 people; remnants to dissipate over Virginia
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on
Dallas Cowboys Will “Bring You Nothing But Bad Luck”, Sports Media Vet Warns Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
on
Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on
Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Tormented”: How Tom Cruise Was Almost Cast In The Shawshank Redemption (& Why He Wasn’t)
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
Comparing the Humongous Combined Wealth of Latest Business Partners Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy
on
Colorado State vs. New Mexico live stream, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
College basketball rankings: Virginia joins preseason Top 25 And 1, ready to contend for ACC title
on
College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on
Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on
“Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial
on
Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on
Brad Keselowski Feels NASCAR Could Welcome New Manufacturer Soon Amid Martin Truex Jr’s Engine Tests
on
Boise State vs. Nevada live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on
Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on
Best places to travel in 2023: National Geographic unveils list of top 25 destinations for next year
on
Ask Amy: Should I keep my RSVP simple and just gracefully decline or say I can’t afford the trip?
on
As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on
Air Force vs. Utah State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
A missile fired by Houthis strikes a US-owned vessel off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, raising tensions
on
A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
$12M Worth Dawn Staley Sports Pricey Jordans While Witnessing Joel Embiid’s Suffering Against Knicks
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on
How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on
College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
Lamar Jackson: NFC side tipped to be ‘overwhelming’ Super Bowl favourites if they signed Ravens QB
on
ICC T20 World Cup 2022: “Love Cricket At All Levels, I’ll Watch Any Cricket, And Love Going There”
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on
Inside Out Mini Jawbreaker Puzzle Game from Disney Cruise Line Now Available at Walt Disney World
on
Katherine Paprocka allegedly embezzled nearly $600k from school for family vacations, IVF treatment
on
Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on
Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on
Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on
Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on
Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on
Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on
Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on
Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on
The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on
Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on
‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on
Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on
Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on
Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on
Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on
‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on
Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on
A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on
Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
ucuz vds satin al