More than a century ago, following the invention of radio, humanity began broadcasting into space, hoping that any aliens with the capability to listen might become aware of our existence.
However, despite the waves traveling 200 light years in every direction, there remains a staggering 118,800 light years before the whole Milky Way can receive our message.
The photograph showcases the limited reach of broadcasts since Marconi introduced the radio in 1895.
Furthermore, considering the billions of galaxies similar to ours within the universe, the search for extraterrestrial life is unlikely to conclude anytime soon.
Science blogger Adam Grossman, who designed the ‘Humanity Bubble’ diagram based on Nick Risinger’s well-known image, humorously remarked: ‘This makes me feel small, sad, and alone. Hold me.’
Nevertheless, with Mars potentially reachable in just four minutes at light speed, covering the distance of 200 light years is no trivial task.
Additionally, recent indications of a possible earthquake on the Red Planet point to the potential for life there; perhaps all we need to await is for Martians to create a radio receiver.
While it’s improbable that aliens are patiently adjusting rabbit ears in efforts to catch our trivial chatter…humans have, indeed, been transmitting messages into the cosmos for decades. The inaugural AM broadcast took place on Christmas Eve in 1906, while the 1936 Olympics broadcast by Adolf Hitler is acknowledged as the first signal robust enough to be sent into space.
In comparison to the vast dimensions of the Milky Way, our existence on Earth appears trivial. Even our space-bound communications — traveling at light speed — are overshadowed by the enormity of the galaxy. The image to the left portrays our “bubble” of existence, extending 200 light years in all directions — yet, it is merely a small blip on the cosmic scale.
by David Livingstone
