On April 29, 2019, the Parkes Observatory in Australia picked up a narrowband radio signal from the direction of Proxima Centauri, the Sun’s nearest stellar neighbor. The signal has many of the characteristics astronomers expect from an extraterrestrial civilization. The signal is probably human radio interference. But what if it’s the real deal? Should humanity respond? What should we say, and who should decide? Who speaks for Earth? Are we in danger?
Join freelance science writer and former Sky & Telescope editor in chief Robert Naeye for a discussion of this enigmatic signal and the possible ramifications of having a more advanced civilization less than 5 light-years from Earth.
What we’re about
If you are excited by science – whether or not you are a science professional – and you live in the Western North Carolina area, then the Asheville Science Tavern is a great meetup for you. We are part of a movement of science socials such as Science Cafes (http://www.sciencecafes.org/) and Cafe Scientifique (http://www.cafescientifique.org/). Our mission is to humanize science and scientists – sharing the work of science in a way that is warm, engaging, often funny, inspiring, even beautiful.