ClassX Video Lessons The true story behind Carl Sagan’s cult classic, Contact | Jill Tarter for Big Think
For centuries, humans have wondered, “Are we alone in the universe?” This question was once the domain of religious leaders and philosophers. However, as our understanding of the universe has grown, it has become clear that we need scientific exploration to truly understand our place in the cosmos. Are we unique, or are there other intelligent beings out there? If so, how do we compare to them?
Leading this exploration is Dr. Jill Tarter, a prominent figure in astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). In 2004, she was named one of “Time 100 Most Influential People in the World” and has served as President of the California Academy of Sciences. Dr. Tarter also inspired the character Ellie Arroway, played by Jodie Foster in the movie “Contact.”
Dr. Tarter’s interest in astrobiology began in her childhood. She fondly remembers stargazing with her father in the Florida Keys, dreaming about life on distant planets. This fascination led her to pursue a career in engineering. Although her father passed away soon after, her resolve to follow her dreams only strengthened.
Throughout her career, Dr. Tarter has seen remarkable progress in our understanding of the universe. When she started, we knew of only nine planets in our solar system. Today, we know that the Milky Way galaxy has more planets than stars, and we’ve discovered extremophiles—organisms that live in extreme conditions once thought uninhabitable.
SETI, or the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, aims to find signs of life beyond Earth. Dr. Tarter points out that “intelligence” is a tricky term since we don’t have a clear way to define or detect it from afar. Instead, SETI looks for technosignatures—evidence of technology detectable across space.
The search involves monitoring electromagnetic radiation for signals that nature can’t produce but our technology can. Dr. Tarter and her teams have developed software to analyze data for these signals, a process that has evolved significantly over time.
Dr. Tarter’s career has mirrored the rapid growth of technology. She recalls using one of the first desktop computers, the PDP-8/S, at UC Berkeley to analyze data for extraterrestrial signals. However, with the rise of satellite technology, distinguishing between space signals and noise from our own equipment has become more challenging.
To tackle this, Dr. Tarter and her colleagues are exploring artificial intelligence to analyze data more objectively. This innovative approach could revolutionize SETI research, helping scientists identify patterns that might indicate extraterrestrial life.
Dr. Tarter’s work is driven by more than curiosity. She believes that finding evidence of extraterrestrial life could inspire humanity to tackle the challenges we face on Earth. Knowing that other civilizations have navigated their technological adolescence could offer hope and guidance for our future.
As our tools for exploring the cosmos improve rapidly, Dr. Tarter feels a sense of urgency and frustration about not being able to see the research’s culmination. She advocates for creating an endowment to ensure sustainable funding for scientific exploration.
Dr. Jill Tarter’s journey in the search for extraterrestrial life exemplifies the human spirit’s quest for knowledge and understanding. As we continue to explore the cosmos, her insights remind us of the importance of scientific inquiry and the potential discoveries that await beyond our planet. The search for life beyond Earth is not just about finding answers; it’s about inspiring future generations to dream and explore the unknown.
Organize a stargazing night on campus. As you observe the night sky, reflect on Dr. Tarter’s journey and the vastness of the cosmos. Consider the question, “Are we alone?” and discuss your thoughts with peers, drawing parallels to Dr. Tarter’s early inspirations.
Participate in a workshop where you will learn to analyze data for technosignatures. Use software tools similar to those employed by SETI researchers to identify potential signals from extraterrestrial sources. This hands-on activity will deepen your understanding of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Engage in a debate about what constitutes “intelligence” in the context of extraterrestrial life. Discuss the challenges of defining and detecting intelligence from afar, and propose criteria that could be used in SETI research. This will help you appreciate the complexities faced by scientists like Dr. Tarter.
Attend a seminar on the role of artificial intelligence in SETI research. Explore how AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that might indicate extraterrestrial life. Discuss the potential and limitations of AI in this field, and brainstorm innovative applications.
Write a short story or essay imagining a scenario where humanity discovers extraterrestrial life. Consider the implications for our society and how Dr. Tarter’s work might influence this discovery. Share your work with classmates to inspire discussions about the impact of such a discovery on our world.
Cosmos – The universe seen as a well-ordered whole. – The study of the cosmos allows scientists to understand the fundamental laws that govern the universe.
Astrobiology – The branch of biology concerned with the study of life on Earth and in space. – Astrobiology seeks to answer profound questions about the potential for life beyond our planet.
Extraterrestrial – Originating, located, or occurring outside Earth or its atmosphere. – The discovery of extraterrestrial microbes would revolutionize our understanding of biology.
Intelligence – The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, particularly in the context of extraterrestrial life forms. – Scientists debate the likelihood of intelligence evolving on planets with conditions similar to Earth.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry and space exploration. – Advances in telescope technology have enabled astronomers to detect planets orbiting distant stars.
Signals – Transmissions or emissions of electromagnetic waves used to convey information, often in the search for extraterrestrial life. – Researchers are analyzing radio signals from space to detect possible communications from intelligent civilizations.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Ongoing research in astrobiology aims to uncover the conditions necessary for life to thrive on other planets.
Exploration – The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it, particularly in space. – Space exploration missions have provided valuable data about the composition and atmosphere of other planets.
Planets – Celestial bodies orbiting a star, large enough to be rounded by their own gravity but not causing thermonuclear fusion. – The discovery of exoplanets in the habitable zone has sparked interest in the potential for life beyond Earth.
Life – The condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth, reproduction, and continual change preceding death. – The search for life on Mars focuses on finding evidence of past or present microbial organisms.
