The use of AI in the search for extraterrestrial communication and intelligence
Uncategorized October 23, 2024, 0 Comment 17Artificial intelligence (AI) is drastically altering humanity’s approach to the hunt for alien life, particularly in the fields of Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence (METI).
AI is increasing our ability to analyze cosmic data and opening exciting new possibilities for communication over vast distances with the help of large language models (LLMs) and advanced machine learning.
AI helps in processing massive amounts of data from radio telescopes like the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in projects like the SETI Institute’s COSMIC. By filtering cosmic noise and analyzing nanosecond radio pulses, AI allows scientists to find patterns that could show extraterrestrial signals.
“Machine learning algorithms can sift through the noise of cosmic radiation to identify patterns or signals that may signify intelligent life, doing so with unprecedented speed and accuracy,” according to United Nations Artificial Intelligence Advisor, Neil Sahota.
The likelihood of finding habitable worlds has now risen thanks to AI’s assistance in the discovery of hundreds of previously undiscovered exoplanets.
Integrating AI into autonomous spacecraft missions has been made possible in large part by NASA’s Steve Chien, a major researcher at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
According to Chien, “[Artificial Intelligence] optimizes scheduled movements for energy-inefficient robotic rovers, classifies and triages radio bursts and combines datasets of physical images with large language models.”
Chien envisions AI-equipped robots, such as the snakelike “Eels,” investigating Jupiter and Saturn’s moons, which are thought to possess the potential for extraterrestrial life. While navigating dangerous areas, these AI systems would make decisions in real time, enabling them to do remote sensing and identify biological forms.
Apart from enhancing data processing, AI may play a crucial role in establishing communication with extraterrestrial civilizations.
Planetary astronomer, Franck Marchis, and Research Engineer at NASA Ames Research Center, Ignacio G. López-Francos, propose employing large language models to send comprehensive representations of humanity to distant planets.
Marchis and López-Francos suggest, “LLMs could encapsulate the diverse essence of humanity, enabling extraterrestrial civilizations to indirectly converse with us.” It would be an alternative to communicating conventional mathematical or symbolic messages.
The communication gap brought on by interstellar communications’ time delay might be closed by this innovative method. Sending an LLM may provide extraterrestrial civilizations a means to “Learn one of our languages, ask the LLM questions about us, and receive replies that are representative of humanity,” according to Marchis and López-Francos, despite risks like the potential for aliens to misuse the information.
Real-time interstellar communication may become more practical because of advancements in communication technology like laser transmissions, which could allow LLMs to be transmitted across space more efficiently and effectively.
AI’s contribution to the hunt for alien intelligence will surely increase as it develops further, stretching the limits of what is possible in terms of communication and space exploration. AI is drastically altering humanity’s approach to the hunt for alien life, particularly in the fields of Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence (METI).
AI is increasing our ability to analyze cosmic data and opening exciting new possibilities for communication over vast distances with the help of large language models (LLMs) and advanced machine learning.
AI helps in processing massive amounts of data from radio telescopes like the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in projects like the SETI Institute’s COSMIC. By filtering cosmic noise and analyzing nanosecond radio pulses, AI allows scientists to find patterns that could show extraterrestrial signals.
“Machine learning algorithms can sift through the noise of cosmic radiation to identify patterns or signals that may signify intelligent life, doing so with unprecedented speed and accuracy,” according to United Nations Artificial Intelligence Advisor, Neil Sahota.
The likelihood of finding habitable worlds has now risen thanks to AI’s assistance in the discovery of hundreds of previously undiscovered exoplanets.
Integrating AI into autonomous spacecraft missions has been made possible in large part by NASA’s Steve Chien, a major researcher at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
According to Chien, “[Artificial Intelligence] optimizes scheduled movements for energy-inefficient robotic rovers, classifies and triages radio bursts and combines datasets of physical images with large language models.”
Chien envisions AI-equipped robots, such as the snakelike “Eels,” investigating Jupiter and Saturn’s moons, which are thought to possess the potential for extraterrestrial life. While navigating dangerous areas, these AI systems would make decisions in real time, enabling them to do remote sensing and identify biological forms.
Apart from enhancing data processing, AI may play a crucial role in establishing communication with extraterrestrial civilizations.
Planetary astronomer, Franck Marchis, and Research Engineer at NASA Ames Research Center, Ignacio G. López-Francos, propose employing large language models to send comprehensive representations of humanity to distant planets.
Marchis and López-Francos suggest, “LLMs could encapsulate the diverse essence of humanity, enabling extraterrestrial civilizations to indirectly converse with us.” It would be an alternative to communicating conventional mathematical or symbolic messages.
The communication gap brought on by interstellar communications’ time delay might be closed by this innovative method. Sending an LLM may provide extraterrestrial civilizations a means to “Learn one of our languages, ask the LLM questions about us, and receive replies that are representative of humanity,” according to Marchis and López-Francos, despite risks like the potential for aliens to misuse the information.
Real-time interstellar communication may become more practical because of advancements in communication technology like laser transmissions, which could allow LLMs to be transmitted across space more efficiently and effectively.
AI’s contribution to the hunt for alien intelligence will surely increase as it develops further, stretching the limits of what is possible in terms of communication and space exploration.
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