🐋 How Can Whales Help Us Understand Aliens?

🐋 How Can Whales Help Us Understand Aliens?

If humanity still can't really understand intelligent beings right here on Earth, the chances of deciphering alien signals are almost zero. That's why the Whale-SETI project team is learning to search for meaning in the communication of creatures very different from humans—humpback whales.

In 2021, scientists spent 20 minutes "conversing" with a whale named Twain. They played humpback greeting signals into the ocean, and Twain responded, taking turns in the dialogue. This was the first time researchers established a stable information-exchange protocol with a "non-human intelligence," in which the response was neither random nor accidental, but measurable.

Based on this experience, Whale-SETI scientists want to create "intelligence filters" for cosmic noise, so they can pick out signals from other civilizations (if any are being sent) and maintain contact with their senders.

In 2025, the project gained another communication channel. Scientists noticed that during peaceful encounters with humans, humpback whales blow perfect bubble rings underwater. For Whale-SETI, this is important because communication isn't just about sound: the more modalities involved (sound, movement, shape), the easier it is for AI to learn to recognize intent and structure in communication.

What do you think—can whales really help us understand aliens?

❤️ — Maybe, it's a smart idea
🤣 — No way, that's nonsense!

@hiaimediaen