Other than the idea that COVID-19 may have originated in outer space there’s another way that the current global pandemic is tied to the final frontier: as a means of preparing us for first contact.
As Astronomy.com puts it:
“Imagine the following scenario: A remote radio telescope detects a repeating signal from a Sun-like star a few tens of light years from Earth. In the next few days, other radio telescopes repeat and confirm the observation.
The signal has a high information content that cannot be produced by any known natural process. With much excitement and cautious wringing of hands, scientists conclude that the signal is evidence of an intelligence elsewhere in the universe.
Amid the global exhilaration, confusion and concern, key questions emerge about the role of scientists and politicians, the nature of the advice they give and who should be involved in deciding how to reply.
There is little in the way of precedent to guide humanity. But today, Peter Hatfield and Leah Trueblood from the University of Oxford say that our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic is preparing us, at least in some ways, for First Contact.
The researchers point out that the pandemic has many similarities to a First Contact event, particularly with regard to the involvement of scientists, the scrutiny they undergo and their interaction with politicians. Of course, there are many differences too, but the researchers say this unexpected opportunity can help to develop plans for handling a First Contact in future.”
It makes sense. It’s also a very troubling conclusion. Considering that most people don’t wear masks, listen to scientists, or willingly collaborate with others we are likely screwed if we ever do make contact with another civilization. Especially if we were ever going to get visited in person by someone.
Perhaps we can use the pandemic as a wake up call then. An opportunity to come to the realization that we are woefully unprepared. Either for a First Contact event or even for another pandemic. The time to embrace science and get our shit together has arrived. Let’s make sure we take advantage of that opportunity before the aliens arrive too.
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