Astronomers have discovered a significant breakthrough in interstellar object research using the NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory’s first paper on 3I/ATLAS, a newly identified celestial body. The team’s findings show that 3I/ATLAS has a localization precision of about 0.02 arcseconds and a percent-level flux calibration, providing improved orbit solutions.
This discovery is part of a decade-long history of interstellar object research, which includes the detection of 1I/Oumuamua, 2I/Borisov, and 3I/ATLAS. The Rubin Observatory is expected to discover new interstellar objects every few months, and its data will help astronomers better understand the origins and properties of these enigmatic visitors.
The implications of this research are significant, as it may uncover evidence of alien technologies, either in the form of space trash or functional devices. While it’s uncertain whether 3I/ATLAS is a civilization-altering event, the team behind the Rubin Observatory is already planning ahead to establish a new academic discipline for studying the geopolitical and scientific implications of future interstellar visitors.
This field, known as interstellar archaeology, will focus on understanding the formation and ejection processes of rocks from planetary systems around different types of stars. The discovery of functional devices among these objects could reveal insights into the history of intelligent civilizations in the Milky-Way galaxy.
As the Rubin Observatory continues to gather data, it’s essential to develop a new skillset for humanity, including experts in international diplomacy and policy making, to address the security risks posed by advanced interstellar technologies. The team is working on developing this expertise to improve human survival likelihoods when faced with a new reality from interstellar space.
The detection of 3I/ATLAS marks an exciting chapter in the study of interstellar objects, and its findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.
Source: https://avi-loeb.medium.com/trading-options-for-alien-tech-ea4917878188