As humanity grapples with understanding intelligent life forms on our own planet, the likelihood of interpreting signals from extraterrestrial beings seems quite low. This dilemma has prompted the Whale-SETI initiative to focus on deciphering the complex communication of a vastly different species—humpback whales. In a groundbreaking experiment conducted in 2021, researchers engaged in a 20-minute "conversation" with a whale named Twain. By emitting humpback greeting calls into the water, they received structured responses from Twain, marking a significant milestone as they established a reliable information exchange protocol with a non-human intelligence, where interactions were not random but quantifiable. Building on this achievement, the Whale-SETI team aims to develop "intelligence filters" to sift through cosmic noise, allowing them to identify signals from potential extraterrestrial civilizations and facilitate communication with them. In 2025, another fascinating observation emerged when scientists discovered that humpback whales create perfect bubble rings underwater during peaceful interactions with humans. This finding is pivotal for Whale-SETI, as it underscores the idea that communication encompasses more than just sound; incorporating multiple forms of expression (such as sound, movement, and shape) can significantly aid artificial intelligence in recognizing intent and structure within communication. What are your thoughts—could whales truly enhance our understanding of alien life?
Informational material. 18+.
