Scientists claim that the world’s first “conversation” between humans and whales, specifically humpback whales, could provide valuable insights into how we might communicate with extraterrestrial life in the future. Researchers from the SETI Institute, University of California Davis, and the Alaska Whale Foundation conducted an experiment with a humpback whale named Twain, using an underwater speaker to engage in a “conversational” exchange. Twain responded by matching interval variations between signals of each playback call, demonstrating a level of understanding and interaction similar to human conversation.
This groundbreaking interaction has implications for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), as it mirrors the sci-fi concept of decoding alien signals underwater. The researchers believe this exchange represents the first communicative interaction between humans and humpback whales in the humpback “language.” The study aims to utilize humpback whale communication systems to enhance our ability to detect and interpret signals from outer space.
Similar to how astronaut crews simulate missions on Earth, the Whale-SETI team is studying humpback whales to develop filters for processing extraterrestrial signals. The assumption that extraterrestrials would be interested in making contact, a foundational idea in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, aligns with the observed behavior of humpback whales. Twain’s sophisticated response and approach to the researchers’ boat highlight the whales’ intelligence, complex social systems, and ability to engage in intricate communication.
Working with humpback whales provides a unique opportunity to study intelligent communication in non-human species. The team plans to apply principles of information theory to create filters that can aid in processing extraterrestrial signals, advancing the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.
