Cosmic particle accelerator seen
"Astronomers have discovered a loop-like structure some 20 light-years across close to the centre of the Milky Way.
"And the team that found it believes the vast, bizarre structure could be some form of cosmic particle accelerator."
None of the astronomers are suggesting the "loop" is anything but natural, as far as I know. Still, I think the question should be squarely faced: Theoretically, could this be an awesome artificial structure beyond the scope of terrestrial science? If so, to what possible uses might it be put?
Here on Earth, physicists build bigger and more energetic accelerators in search of fundamental particles thought to shed light on the birth of the Cosmos. Maybe aliens, vastly more capable, are engaged in a similar quest, harnessing entire star systems in a fevered effort to reconstruct our universe's first moments.
There might be a very good imperative for doing so other than the boons of pure research. If we can determine how our universe began, we might be able to create new universes. A far-sighted civilization could already be planning its final escape, hoping to create its own continuum when energy sources in this universe begin to inexorably dim.
2 comments:
This is truly stunning. The scientists reporting on the cosmic accelerator used words like "bizarre" and "extraordinary." Of course, when pulsars were first discovered, it seemed like the extreme regularity of their signals might be artificial too, but still.... I do predict that astronomers will shortly come up with a "natural" explanation for the cosmic accelerator. That doesn't mean of course that it IS natural, and I'm definitely keeping my bets open. It actually seems to me like the best candidate so far for ETI, especially if it turns out to be one of a kind.
--WMB
What would someone advanced enough to build such a thing need one for?
If we can answer that question, a vital clue for (real)SETI may be awaiting those who dared to ask.
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