It is reported that the 500-meter aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST), known as the "eye of China's sky", has made remarkable achievements, and has detected more than 900 brand-new pulsars so far. This major discovery has not only attracted widespread attention in China, but also sparked heated discussions around the world.
In this large population of pulsars, scientists have discovered at least 120 binary pulsars, 170 millisecond pulsars, and 80 faint occasional pulsars. These unprecedented discoveries have undoubtedly greatly expanded the boundaries of our understanding of the universe and provided valuable clues and revelations for unraveling the mysteries of the depths of the universe.
Previously, Peng Bo, director of the FAST Key Laboratory, had publicly expressed his opinion that among the many signals received by FAST, there may be clues of alien civilizations. However, due to time constraints, it is not yet possible to identify the source and significance of each of these signals. This view immediately stimulated infinite reverie and discussion about the possible existence of other intelligent life in the universe.
If we really find the existence of an extraterrestrial civilization in the depths of the universe, should we be happy or hopeless? How will this discovery change our understanding of ourselves and the universe? How will mankind cope with this unprecedented challenge and opportunity? These questions will undoubtedly become an important topic in the future exploration of the universe.
Is the discovery of extraterrestrial civilizations good or bad?
In the imagination of some people, they are convinced that human exploration of the universe is the control of the universe, and it seems that the discovery of extraterrestrial civilizations will bring endless benefits and assistance to mankind. However, the reality is far from so rosy.
So far, human vehicles have not been able to cross the boundaries of the solar system, let alone reach other galaxies that are tens of thousands of light-years away. In the face of such a reality, we can't help but think deeply: Is it a good thing or a bad thing for human beings to explore extraterrestrial civilizations in the universe?
According to scientists' classification of civilization levels, the civilization level of human beings is only 0.7, which is mainly due to the fact that our understanding of our own planet is not yet comprehensive, and there are still a lot of unknown areas to be explored. We still have a long way to go to reach Civilization Level 1.
If human beings really discovered pulsars with advanced intelligent life, what threats might these extraterrestrial civilizations pose to human beings? Because our understanding of extraterrestrial civilizations is extremely limited, we cannot accurately judge whether they are more powerful than human beings. Therefore, even if an extraterrestrial civilization similar to Earth is discovered, humanity must keep a low profile and avoid exposing itself.
Are extraterrestrial civilizations ready to set themselves on fire when they send a pulse signal to the universe to expose themselves to the universe? If extraterrestrial civilizations are really willing to do so, there are two possible reasons: either they are powerful in their own right, or they are looking for a new habitable planet. For whatever reason, this can be fatal for humans.
In the face of such a potential threat, we must maintain a high degree of vigilance and caution. Until it is clear whether the signals released by extraterrestrial civilizations are real and their true intentions, humanity should be cautious and avoid releasing any signals into the universe that could expose the coordinates of the Earth.
What is the use of humans finding pulsars?
Pulsars, as rotating neutron stars, get their name from the electromagnetic pulse signals they emit continuously, and since they were first discovered in 1967, scientists have studied their properties intensively. Pulsars have multiple potential uses for humans, although we have not yet fully realized all of their potential applications.
First of all, pulsars are considered natural timekeepers because of the stability of their rotational speed. The change in its rotational speed is very stable and is not affected by the environment or trembling due to aging, which makes the pulsar more stable than any clock on Earth.
Scientists can predict the future rotation speed of pulsars and estimate the precise time when each pulse will reach Earth. This property makes it possible for pulsars to replace atomic clocks as the standard tool for measuring time in the future.
Secondly, pulsars are also regarded as natural GPS satellites. X-ray pulsar navigation is a new type of autonomous navigation method that uses precise periodic pulse signals emitted by pulsars to provide navigation for spacecraft in space.
By observing pulsars, spacecraft can achieve autonomous navigation, which is of great significance for interstellar travel. China's Tiangong-2 space laboratory has successfully completed the first domestic space test of pulsar navigation, showing the great potential of pulsars in navigation.
In addition, pulsars can also be used as probes to detect the distribution and density of interstellar media in the Milky Way, as well as the distribution and intensity of the Milky Way's magnetic field. Scientists are working hard in these directions, hoping to use pulsars to further broaden our understanding of the universe.
In summary, pulsars have multiple potential uses for humans, including as timers, GPS satellites, and tools for detecting the universe. However, to achieve these applications, we also need to conduct more in-depth research and understanding of pulsars.