A Sign in Space: Reflecting on the Global Conversation
Join us for a free public lecture with media artist Daniela De Paulis as she leads us through the highlights and challenges of directing public engagement in a simulated First Contact. A light reception will follow the talk.
Thursday, December 12, 3:30 PM
Green Bank Science Center Auditorium
Can’t make it to the Observatory? Join us remotely! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xyTAyuHYTIS8jUKipxBBrg
About the project:
On 24 May 2023, a simulated extraterrestrial message was beamed towards Earth from Mars. The Green Bank Telescope was one of the prominent radio astronomy facilities to receive the signal. The event was streamed live from the GBT control room, with thousands of people watching in real time. After reception, the data of the signal was shared in the public domain for people from around the world to decode and interpret the message contained within it.
After more than one year, the message has finally been decoded. But what does it mean? This talk will give an overview of the project, with a particular focus on both the intended and serendipitous aspects that emerged from the public engagement and response. Participants will have an opportunity to share their own ideas of what the message might mean if it had been designed by real aliens.
The project, conceived and directed by media artist Daniela de Paulis, has been developed in collaboration with the Green Bank Observatory, the SETI Institute, the European Space Agency and the Italian Institute for Astrophysics. Funding was provided in part by a grant from Unither Bioelectronique in honor of Dr. Barry Blumberg, the late Chairman of its corporate parent’s Scientific Advisory Board.
To learn more, visit:
Project Website: https://asignin.space/