What if aliens are deliberately keeping quiet for fear that they might be destroyed?

Dark Forest: Should We Not Contact Aliens? PBS Space Time

Premiered March 14, 2024
Dark Forest: Should We Not Contact Aliens?

In 1974 we sent the Arecibo radio message towards Messier 13. The message was mostly symbolic; we weren’t really expecting a reply. Yet surely other civilisations out there are doing the same thing. So, why haven’t we heard anything? What if the silence from the stars is a hint that we shouldn’t be so outgoing? What if aliens are deliberately keeping quiet for fear that they might be destroyed?

About the Program

PBS Space Time

PBS Space Time explores the outer reaches of space, the craziness of astrophysics, the possibilities of sci-fi, and anything else you can think of beyond Planet Earth. Host Matt O'Dowd breaks down both the basic and incredibly complex sides of space and time.

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