Astronomers to decide what to do when E.T. calls

The Yomiuri Shimbun

Domestic astronomers will gather early next month to discuss which institution people should report to should they detect signals from aliens as part of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).

The International Astronomical Union has prescribed that those detecting such signals should first report to an institution connected with the SETI and national authorities.

In Japan, however, it has not been settled whether this body should be the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or the Prime Minister's Office.

More than 30 domestic SETI researchers will gather at the study meeting to be held at Hyogo prefectural Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory on Nov. 4. They decided to meet because although signals have not yet been detected, they believe "the time is nigh."

SETI is a generic name for a variety of projects searching for signals from intelligent life. It has been ongoing since the 1960s, mainly in the United States, and includes analysis of electromagnetic waves from space through means such as specialized telescopes at Harvard University.

Individuals can also participate online in the analysis of huge volumes of data.

The IAU has a set procedure before any announcement of "contact" can be made. This is because "information must not be disclosed until the reliability of evidence is confirmed."

The relevant institution should first investigate the signal. If it is certain it comes from aliens, it should report it to the U.N. secretary general and other senior officials via the IAU's central astronomical observatory.

The Nishi-Harima observatory has been searching for signals of alien life since September 2005 with its Nayuta astronomical telescope. Its two-meter aperture makes it the largest in the country.

"If a person were to detect a signal tonight, they would have trouble deciding what to do," said Shinya Narusawa, chief researcher at the observatory. "I hope we decide on a policy including whether to leave the decision to the Astronomical Society of Japan."