An international order to be followed if other arrangements are found was established
If the first evidence is found that humanity is not alone in the cosmos, how should the global community respond? This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The International Academy of Astronautics has officially endorsed an updated set of recommendations designed to answer exactly that question. The document establishes strict international protocols to be followed if traces of technological activity are detected, indicating the possible existence of extraterrestrial civilizations.
Prepared over the past three years by the Academy’s Permanent Committee on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, this guideline aims to prevent confusion in the event of unexpected discoveries.
The directive states that upon detection of potential technosignatures—such as anomalous radio signals, laser pulses, or large-scale artificial structures—scientists must first subject the data to multiple independent verification checks.
According to the new rules, any discovery must be confirmed by several scientific institutions using different methods. Until verification is complete, researchers are advised against sharing unconfirmed information and to exercise extreme caution when commenting on results.
This is considered crucial to prevent false alarms and unwarranted public alarm. Jumping to conclusions or making unsubstantiated statements is strictly prohibited.
If a signal is confirmed to be artificial in origin, the finding must be promptly reported to influential organizations such as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the International Astronomical Union, and the Committee on Space Research.
Furthermore, all primary data, software, and analytical methods must be made openly accessible.
This allows experts worldwide to independently re-examine the findings. One of the most important sections of the document addresses the question of whether and how to reply to extraterrestrials.
Per the Academy’s recommendation, humanity should not send any message in response without broad international deliberation.
Such a decision should be made only with the participation of international bodies.
Until consultations are concluded, any attempt to establish contact is considered premature and potentially dangerous.
To manage possible future scenarios, the Academy plans to establish a permanent working group.
Its composition will include astronomers, international lawyers, specialists in ethics and social sciences, and experts in scientific communication.
This new guideline is not tied to any specific discovery.
Scientists emphasize that it is simply a prepared action plan for a potential first encounter.
For Uzbek enthusiasts and professional astronomers alike, these international standards serve as an important guide in the study of extraterrestrial civilizations.
