02-03-2010, 02:07 AM
My own personal opinion is that a fictional science-fiction show actually presents an analogy of the truth about contacts like Ra.
In the Star Trek series and movies, the idea is that on each planet, evolution progresses until there is the discovery of the "warp drive" technology. This makes it possible to visit other planets in a reasonable travel time. Use of warp drive leaves a distinctive signature. When species who already have warp drive detect a warp signature, they know that they are dealing with a spacefaring race who can be contacted. If evolution on a planet has not yet led to the invention of warp drive, then contact is not appropriate because the planet isn't yet ready to make its own way to the stars. In the show, warp drive worked the same way for everyone, since it was based on galaxy-wide physics. But it also had variations in operation and appearance between species. This is just as we see many different types of cars but they all have a body on top of wheels propelled by an engine.
I think this is an apt analogy, but the actual technology is electromagnetic energy. As soon as people like Edison and Tesla did their experiments, electromagnetic radiation began emitting from the Earth in ways that proved intelligent life was present. This attracted those who can use the presence of electromagnetic fields to focus their communications with those who are open to receiving the message, within a planetary species advanced enough to use electricity.
The opening of the movie Contact portrays this beautifully.
Just my own opinion, but it is why I personally think that the whole "New thought" era came in right as studies of electricity became more widespread.
In the Star Trek series and movies, the idea is that on each planet, evolution progresses until there is the discovery of the "warp drive" technology. This makes it possible to visit other planets in a reasonable travel time. Use of warp drive leaves a distinctive signature. When species who already have warp drive detect a warp signature, they know that they are dealing with a spacefaring race who can be contacted. If evolution on a planet has not yet led to the invention of warp drive, then contact is not appropriate because the planet isn't yet ready to make its own way to the stars. In the show, warp drive worked the same way for everyone, since it was based on galaxy-wide physics. But it also had variations in operation and appearance between species. This is just as we see many different types of cars but they all have a body on top of wheels propelled by an engine.
I think this is an apt analogy, but the actual technology is electromagnetic energy. As soon as people like Edison and Tesla did their experiments, electromagnetic radiation began emitting from the Earth in ways that proved intelligent life was present. This attracted those who can use the presence of electromagnetic fields to focus their communications with those who are open to receiving the message, within a planetary species advanced enough to use electricity.
The opening of the movie Contact portrays this beautifully.
Just my own opinion, but it is why I personally think that the whole "New thought" era came in right as studies of electricity became more widespread.