Scientists share audio from first-of-its-kind human-to-whale conversation that could lead to alien contact

Scientists from the SETI Institute and the University of California have shared audio from what's believed to be the first-ever conversation between humans and whales. 

The scientific feat took place off the coast of south-east Alaska in 2021, when a team of six scientists armed themselves with an underwater speaker and attempted to get the attention of some whales.

The team used the speaker to play a recording of a humpback greeting call, and were stunned when one whale they'd named Twain 'spoke' back - marking the first intentional human-whale interaction in the 'language' of whales.

Over the course of the next 20 minutes, the whale appeared to engage in a 'conversation' with the scientists, which included 36 responses from the whale.

As humpback whale songs are thought to be among the most complex in the animal kingdom, the SETI (Search for extraterrestrial intelligence) research team are hopeful that deciphering their communications could help us communicate with extra-terrestrials.

If we ever encounter them, that is.

Though the interaction was a milestone moment, McCowan made clear that the research is only in its infancy.

Researchers will need to replicate the data with multiple unique pods to get a clearer picture of the communication.

As they continue their research, the team next plan to vary the calls they broadcast.

Co-author Dr. Laurance Doyle, of the SETI Institute, told UC Davis: "Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers.

"This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of humpback whales."

Next we just need some aliens who are willing to reach out to us...

Source : https://www.unilad.com/news/animals/human-to-whale-conversation-audio-recording-581753-20240418

Comprehension

Who are the scientists from that made the first-ever conversation between humans and whales possible?
When and where did the conversation take place?
What did the scientists use to communicate with the whales?
Who was the whale that responded to the scientists' greeting call?
How long did the conversation last?
Why are the scientists hopeful that deciphering whale communication could help us communicate with extra-terrestrials?
What is the next step in the researchers' plan?
What is the assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, as stated by Dr. Laurance Doyle?

Discussion

Have you ever heard whales sing or communicate underwater?
What do you think about the idea of communicating with extra-terrestrials using whale language?
Do you think there are other intelligent life forms in the universe?
Should we try to communicate with extra-terrestrial life if we find it?
How do you think we should go about communicating with extra-terrestrial life?
What are the benefits of studying animal communication?
What are some of the challenges of studying animal communication?
How can we protect whales and their habitats?
Should we be concerned about the impact of human activities on whales and other marine life?
How can we promote conservation efforts for whales and other endangered species?

Vocabulary

Feat - an impressive achievement
Intentional - done on purpose
Interaction - a situation in which two or more people or things affect each other
Deciphering - to understand or interpret something, especially a code or language
Milestone - an important event or achievement that marks a significant stage in a process
Replicate - to do or make something again, especially to test or repeat an experiment
Vary - to make or become different
Assumption - something that is believed to be true or certain, especially without proof