Author: Alessandra

THE LOOMING GREAT FILTER

On By AlessandraIn Extrasolar Planets, S.E.T.I., Sci-FiLeave a comment

What Is The Great Filter?

Imagine the vastness of the universe, filled with billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars, many of which have planets orbiting them. It seems statistically probable that life, even intelligent life, should have arisen elsewhere. This is the core of the Fermi Paradox, named after physicist Enrico Fermi, who famously asked, “Where is everybody?” If the universe is so conducive to life, why haven’t we detected any signs of extraterrestrial civilizations?

The Great Filter offers one potential answer to this paradox. It posits that some “filter” – a significant hurdle or barrier – prevents most, if not all, potential life from reaching a stage where it becomes easily detectable to us. This filter acts as a bottleneck in the timeline of life’s development.

Economist Robin Hanson introduced the Great Filter hypothesis, which suggests that a nearly insurmountable barrier prevents most civilizations from advancing to an interstellar presence.

Think of it like a race with many potential starting points (the formation of habitable planets) and a finish line (becoming a technologically advanced, space-faring civilization). The fact that we don’t see many (or any) other finishers suggests that there’s a difficult obstacle somewhere along the track that most participants fail to overcome. This obstacle is the Great Filter.

The big question is: Have we passed the filter, or is it still ahead of us?

Where is the Great Filter?

The crucial question then becomes: Where does this filter lie?

There are a few possibilities:

The Filter is in Our Past:

This would mean that the difficult step(s) required for life to arise and evolve into intelligence are behind us. The origin of life (abiogenesis), the development of complex multicellular life (like eukaryotes), or the emergence of intelligence are sporadic events that occurred on Earth. If this is the case, we are fortunate, and the universe mainly lacks other advanced civilizations. This scenario can be exciting (we are exceptional!) and terrifying (we are alone).  

Implication for us: If we discover simple life on Mars or Europa, it suggests that the Great Filter is ahead of us, which is a bad sign.

Our prospects might be bright because we’ve already cleared the primary bottleneck. We might be one of the first, if not the only, intelligent species to reach this stage in our part of the galaxy (or even the universe). This could mean that our potential for growth and expansion is immense, relatively unconstrained by the factors that halt most other potential civilizations. However, it also places a significant responsibility on us, as we might be the custodians of intelligence in our corner of the cosmos.

Implication for SETI: The lack of detected extraterrestrial intelligence would be less surprising. It would suggest that we shouldn’t expect to find many other advanced civilizations because the odds of reaching this stage are so low. A “silent sky” would be consistent with a filter in our past.

The Filter is in Our Present:

This suggests a critical hurdle we are facing or are about to face that will prevent most civilizations from surviving or becoming detectable. This is something like unsustainable technological development leading to self-destruction (e.g., nuclear war, climate catastrophe, biological warfare) or some unknown cosmic threat that advanced civilizations inevitably face. This is a particularly worrisome scenario, implying that our survival is far from guaranteed.

Implication for us: If we are close to interstellar travel but don’t see others who have made it, we are doomed to self-destruction.

This would suggest that there’s a high probability that we, like many other potential civilizations before us, will not make it through the current stage. The challenges we face today, such as climate change, the risk of nuclear war, or the potential to misuse advanced technologies, could be manifestations of this filter. Our immediate priority would be to identify and overcome these threats to ensure our long-term survival.

Implication for SETI: The silence we observe could be caused by most civilizations’ self-destruction or stalling at a similar stage of development. Detecting advanced extraterrestrial intelligence would be rare because such civilizations are inherently short-lived. If we detect one, they might have found a way to navigate the “present” filter, offering us hope and potential lessons.

The Filter is in Our Future:

This implies that the significant challenges for developing advanced civilizations still lie ahead of us. There are fundamental limitations to interstellar travel, or maybe advanced civilizations inevitably collapse for reasons we can’t yet comprehend. This scenario suggests that while life arises relatively often, it rarely progresses to a truly advanced and detectable stage.

In essence, the Great Filter tries to reconcile the clear likelihood of extraterrestrial life with its observed absence by suggesting that some stage in the development of life is far more improbable than it seems. Identifying where this filter lies has profound implications for understanding our place in the universe and our future.  

Implication for us: If no one has expanded across the galaxy, they couldn’t, and neither can we.

Our present achievements might be less unique than in the “filter in our past” scenario. However, it would mean we still have a significant, yet-to-be-encountered hurdle to overcome. Understanding the nature of this future filter would be crucial for our long-term prospects. Perhaps it’s a physical limitation of the universe or an intrinsic sociological or technological barrier that all advanced species eventually face.

Implication for SETI: We might expect that the universe could have harbored many now-extinct or stalled civilizations that never made it past this future filter. Detecting signs of life or even less advanced civilizations might be more likely than detecting truly advanced, space-faring ones. A “silent sky” regarding advanced signals could still be consistent with a universe where life and even rudimentary intelligence are not uncommon.

Arguments for and against the Great Filter


Arguments FOR the Great Filter Being in Our Past:

  1. The Complexity of Abiogenesis: The leap from non-living matter to a self-replicating, evolving organism is incredibly complex. We still don’t fully understand how it happened on Earth, and the conditions required might have been particular and rare.
  2. The Eukaryotic Transition: The development of eukaryotic cells was a fundamental step in the evolution of complex life. This occurred only once in the history of life on Earth and involved a symbiotic event that might be highly improbable.
  3. The Cambrian Explosion: The rapid diversification of multicellular life during the Cambrian period suggests that the conditions and evolutionary pathways leading to such complexity might be unusual.
  4. The Uniqueness of Human-Level Intelligence: While evolution favors traits aiding survival, the specific suite of cognitive abilities that led to human intelligence, including abstract thought, language, and advanced tool use, might be a rare evolutionary outcome.
  5. The “Hard Steps” Argument: Proponents argue that there are likely one or more “hard steps” in the development of life that are statistically very unlikely, and one of these occurred in our past.

Arguments AGAINST:

  1. The Prevalence of Building Blocks: Organic molecules, the precursors to life, seem common in the universe (e.g., found in meteorites and interstellar clouds). This suggests that the raw materials for life are readily available.
  2. Early Appearance of Life on Earth: Life appeared relatively quickly after the planet cooled down enough to support it. This might suggest that abiogenesis is relatively easy under the right conditions.
  3. Convergent Evolution: The independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages (e.g., eyes, wings) suggests that specific biological solutions are favored and might arise relatively frequently when conditions are right. This could argue against the uniqueness of some evolutionary steps.
  4. Our Limited Understanding: Our current understanding of abiogenesis and early evolution is incomplete. We might be underestimating the likelihood of these events occurring elsewhere.

Arguments FOR the Great Filter Being in Our Present:

  1. Observable Self-Destructive Tendencies: Humanity faces significant challenges like climate change, nuclear proliferation, and the potential to misuse powerful technologies. These could represent the kinds of self-inflicted wounds that might plague other advanced civilizations.
  2. The Lack of Kardashev Type II or III Civilizations: If advanced civilizations routinely overcome their initial technological hurdles, we might expect to see evidence of civilizations that can harness the energy of their entire star (Type II) or galaxy (Type III). The absence of such clear evidence could suggest a bottleneck at the “Type I” stage (a civilization that can harness all the energy available on its planet).
  3. Historical Precedents of Civilizational Collapse: Numerous civilizations have risen and fallen on Earth. While not due to interstellar travel limitations, these collapses highlight the fragility of complex societies.

Arguments AGAINST:

  1. Humanity’s Increasing Awareness and Mitigation Efforts: We are increasingly aware of the threats we face and are (slowly) taking steps to mitigate them. This suggests that self-destruction might not be inevitable.
  2. The Potential for Technological Solutions: Future technologies might solve existential threats, such as advanced climate engineering, asteroid defense systems, or safer energy sources.
  3. The Vastness of Space and Time: Even if civilizations self-destruct, they might do so at different times and ways, making it challenging to observe this “present” filter on a cosmic scale. Brief windows of detectability might be missed.
  4. The Possibility of Transcendence: Advanced civilizations might find ways to transcend their physical limitations or move beyond planetary dependence, thus avoiding self-destruction.

Arguments FOR the Great Filter Being in Our Future:

  1. Fundamental Physical Limits: There might be insurmountable physical barriers to interstellar travel or communication (e.g., the speed of light, energy requirements, and the vast distances involved).
  2. Unforeseen Universal Threats: Catastrophic cosmic events that we cannot currently predict or defend against might be common and act as a filter for even advanced civilizations.
  3. Intrinsic Limits to Societal Complexity or Longevity: Perhaps advanced civilizations inevitably reach a point of stagnation, lose the drive to expand, or face internal contradictions that lead to their decline over very long timescales.
  4. The “Great Silence” Itself: The lack of compelling evidence for advanced extraterrestrial civilizations could be seen as indirect evidence for a future filter that prevents most from becoming truly widespread and detectable.

Arguments AGAINST:

  1. Our Limited Understanding of Future Physics and Technology: We cannot definitively predict what future breakthroughs might be possible. Technologies we can’t even imagine might overcome current limitations.
  2. The Potential for Artificial Intelligence and Self-Replication: Advanced AI could potentially overcome the limitations of biological life for interstellar travel and colonization. Self-replicating probes could spread throughout the Galaxy.
  3. The Time Scales Involved: The universe is vast and old. Perhaps we haven’t been around long enough to witness the emergence of truly advanced galaxy-spanning civilizations, or they are too far away for their signals to have reached us yet.
  4. The “Zoo Hypothesis” or Other Explanations for Silence: There might be non-filter reasons for the apparent lack of contact (e.g., advanced civilizations are deliberately avoiding us, or our search methods are inadequate).

Considering these arguments helps to illustrate the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the Great Filter and its potential location. Each scenario has implications and challenges our understanding of life in the universe.

Discoveries Relevant To The Discussion of The Great Filter

The Origin of Life (Abiogenesis):

  1. RNA World Hypothesis Support: Recent research continues to strengthen the “RNA world” hypothesis, which suggests that RNA, not DNA, was the primary form of genetic material in early life. RNA can store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions, making it a plausible candidate for the foundation of life. Discoveries of RNA’s catalytic abilities and its presence in various environments bolster the idea that the building blocks of life could have formed relatively easily. This might suggest that the origin of life, while still mysterious, might not be as improbable as once thought, potentially weakening the argument for abiogenesis as a major Great Filter.
  2. Protocell Research: Scientists are making progress in creating artificial protocells—simple, cell-like structures. Some recent experiments have even shown protocells capable of reproduction. These advances help us understand how cell membranes and basic cellular processes could have arisen from non-living matter. If these steps can be replicated in the lab, it might imply that the transition from chemistry to biology isn’t as difficult, making abiogenesis less of a filter.
  3. Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents: Recent discoveries about microbial life thriving in extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, suggest that life can emerge and persist in conditions very different from those on Earth’s surface. This expands the range of environments where life might be possible, suggesting that the origin of life might not be as constrained by specific planetary conditions.

The Development of Complex Life:

  1. Early Evidence of Complex Life: Some studies have suggested that complex life may have appeared on Earth much earlier. For example, some have interpreted discoveries of ancient fossils in places like the Franceville Basin in Gabon as evidence of early multicellular organisms. If complex life emerged relatively early in Earth’s history, it might indicate that this transition is not as tricky or rare as the Great Filter hypothesis might suggest.
  2. Asgard Archaea: The discovery of Asgard archaea, a group of microorganisms with genes that are strikingly similar to those found in eukaryotes (the complex cells that make up multicellular organisms), is providing insights into the evolutionary transition from simple to complex cells. These findings suggest a more gradual and potentially less improbable pathway for the evolution of eukaryotic cells, a key step in developing complex life.
  3. Genetic Complexity: Advances in genomics reveal the complex genetic changes necessary for the evolution of multicellularity. While these changes are significant, their existence suggests that the evolution of complexity is possible given enough time and the right conditions.

The Emergence of Technology:

  1. Exoplanet Discoveries: The discovery of thousands of exoplanets, including many in the habitable zones of their stars, suggests that Earth-like planets are abundant in the universe. This increases the probability that other planets could have developed life, though it doesn’t directly address the likelihood of that life becoming technological. However, more habitable planets mean more chances for life to get started.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research: The rapid advancement of AI raises questions about the potential for machine intelligence to either facilitate or hinder the development of advanced civilizations. On one hand, AI could help a civilization overcome some of the challenges of interstellar travel or resource management. On the other hand, some theories suggest that AI could pose an existential threat, potentially acting as a Great Filter. Some scientists, like Michael Garrett, have theorized that the development of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) could be a Great Filter, potentially leading to the extinction of civilizations before they can make contact.

Final Considerations:

  • Sample Size of One: It’s crucial to remember that our understanding of life’s origins and evolution is based on a sample size of one: Earth. This makes it difficult to extrapolate to the rest of the universe.
  • Ongoing Research: Astrobiology, genomics, and paleontology are constantly evolving. Future discoveries could significantly change our understanding of the likelihood of various life development stages.

Great Sci-Fi Novels 6. Dan Simmons’s ‘Ilium’

On By AlessandraIn Books, ReadingLeave a comment

Rewriting the Gods.

Dan Simmons’s ‘Ilium ‘is a sprawling, genre-blending epic that reimagines Homer’s Iliad through a futuristic, science-fictional lens. Set across multiple timelines and locations—including a terraformed Mars and a post-human Earth—Ilium weaves three major narrative threads together.

Fig.1: The Greek gods resurrected Thomas Hockenberry, a 20th-century Homeric scholar.

The first thread follows Thomas Hockenberry, a 20th-century Homeric scholar resurrected by technologically advanced beings resembling the Greek gods. These so-called “gods” are manipulating events on Mars to restage the Trojan War for their purposes. Hockenberry is an observer and eventual participant in this twisted recreation, his scholarly knowledge weaponized in a divine game of power.

Fig.2: The moravecs Mahnmut and Orphu are on a mission to investigate a breach in the laws of physics.

The second storyline features a group of sentient robots called the moravecs, who live on the moons of Jupiter. These Shakespeare- and Proust-loving beings detect anomalies on Mars and launch a mission to investigate, suspecting a breach in the laws of physics and history.

The third plotline explores a far-future Earth where humanity has devolved into a pampered, childlike species overseen by mysterious robotic caretakers. A small group of “Old-Style” humans question their idyllic, stagnant existence and push against the boundaries of their world.

As these storylines converge, Simmons blends mythology, quantum theory, literature, and post-singularity speculation into a rich, multilayered narrative. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, leading directly into the sequel, Olympos.

Dan Simmons’s Ilium is an audacious, intellectually dazzling work that defies easy categorization. It’s equal parts hard sci-fi, classical epic, and postmodern mix. Simmons doesn’t just wear his influences on his sleeve—he dives into them headfirst, crafting a world where Homer, Shakespeare, and Proust are as foundational as relativity and nanotech.

The novel’s greatest strength is its sheer ambition. Simmons draws from a staggering array of disciplines—classical literature, quantum mechanics, AI theory, and transhumanist philosophy—and fuses them into a narrative that feels both ancient and futuristic. His prose is rich and often poetic, particularly in the Mars scenes, where the grandeur of Homeric battle meets the cold logic of technological godhood.

The characters, especially Hockenberry and the moravecs are surprisingly well-developed despite the story’s density. Hockenberry’s reluctant descent into moral ambiguity adds a human anchor to the mythological chaos, while the moravecs provide comic relief and philosophical gravitas.

However, Ilium can be overwhelming. Simmons assumes a lot from his readers—literary knowledge, patience with technobabble, and a willingness to wade through dense exposition. The novel doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions; instead, it invites deep reflection and rewards those who re-read and analyze.

Ultimately, Ilium is not a book for casual reading. It’s a cerebral, genre-defying epic that challenges as much as it entertains. For readers who enjoy speculative fiction with philosophical depth and literary intertextuality, Ilium is a triumph—a modern myth forged in the crucible of science fiction.

AGENTS OF THE UNREAL: MEN IN BLACK

On By AlessandraIn Aliens and Alien Abductions, Sci-Fi, U.F.O.sLeave a comment

Interdimensional Enforcers or Cosmic Tricksters?

When you hear “Men in Black,” your mind probably jumps to Hollywood’s cool agents in black suits, neuralyzers in hand, keeping Earth safe from rogue aliens. But the real-world phenomenon is far stranger—and far more unsettling. For decades, witnesses have reported encounters with bizarre black-suited figures who arrive not with charm and quips, but with chilling warnings, robotic behavior, and the uncanny sense that they are not human at all.

So who—or what—are the Men in Black (MIB)? Government agents? Extraterrestrials? Or something else entirely?

The MIB: Not Your Average Secret Agent

In the UFO and paranormal communities, Men in Black are typically described as:

  • Pale-skinned, mannequin-like individuals in outdated black suits.
  • Robotic in movement, speech, and demeanor.
  • Frequently appearing after UFO sightings or high-strangeness events.
  • Arriving in vintage or anachronistic vehicles that vanish without a trace.
  • Delivering eerie, emotionless warnings to “forget what you saw.”

Rather than blending in, their attempts to appear human often backfire. Eyewitnesses describe them as uncanny—as if something were wearing a human costume and failing to understand how humans behave.

These stories go back decades, with early reports such as the 1947 Maury Island incident and the 1950s claims of Albert K. Bender, who described his MIB visitors as glowing-eyed beings capable of vanishing into thin air.

But here’s where it gets bizarre.

The Interdimensional Enforcer Theory

What if the MIB aren’t from another planet—but another dimension?

This theory, sometimes called the Interdimensional Hypothesis (IDH), suggests that MIB are not government spooks or alien operatives, but entities that slip into our reality when someone gets too close to a cosmic truth. Their role? To contain leaks in the veil—to enforce the illusion.

In this view, MIB act as cosmic janitors, appearing when:

  • A witness sees through a glitch in reality.
  • A UFO encounter reveals a deeper dimensional rift.
  • An individual gains knowledge that is not meant for human minds.

These MIB are less like spies and more like reality editors—they remove, correct, or erase fragments of forbidden information.

Five Chilling Real-Life Encounters

1. Albert K. Bender and the Silencing of a UFO Researcher (1953)

Albert K. Bender, founder of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), was one of the earliest and most vocal UFO researchers in the 1950s—until he abruptly shut down his organization and stopped speaking publicly.

What Happened?

Bender later revealed he had been visited by three Men in Black, who didn’t just intimidate him—they communicated telepathically, exuded a suffocating fear, and told him to stop researching UFOs “for his own good.”

He claimed they weren’t human at all, but instead hovered or glided across the floor, and emitted a glowing light. They didn’t just want him to stop—they made him physically ill, as if sapping his energy or life force.

Why It Matters:

Bender’s story introduced a new dimension to the MIB: not merely intimidation, but psychic interference and deep, unnatural fear. It’s one of the earliest cases suggesting the MIB may be paranormal or interdimensional beings, not human agents.

2. Paul Miller’s Encounter With Time Loss and MIB (1961)

An Air Force pilot, Paul Miller encountered a UFO while hunting with friends in North Dakota. They claimed to have shot at it, and Miller lost several hours.

What Happened?

The next day, two men in black suits appeared at his workplace. They seemed to know everything about the previous night’s incident—even though no one had reported it.

Their behavior was bizarre:

  • They gave veiled threats but smiled the whole time.
  • Their skin looked waxy, and their expressions didn’t match their words.
  • They departed, leaving Miller feeling “drained” and paranoid.

Why It Matters:

Miller’s MIB encounter adds precognitive knowledge, time distortion, and emotional manipulation to the pattern. These aren’t mere observers—they seem embedded in the timeline itself.

3. The Point Pleasant Flap and the Mothman Connection (1966–1967)

During the infamous Mothman sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, dozens of residents reported visits from strange MIB figures—often arriving after people saw mysterious lights or the winged creature itself.

What Happened?

  • A local reporter named Mary Hyre was visited by a short man with long fingers, oversized glasses, and strange questions about her articles.
  • One MIB asked a witness for a glass of water, then stared at it like he didn’t understand what to do with it.
  • Others spoke in riddles, acted disoriented, vanished into thin air or drove away in outdated black Cadillacs that made no sound.

Why It Matters:

This cluster of MIB appearances coincided with paranormal chaos—UFOs, cryptids, strange phone calls, and psychic phenomena—suggesting the MIB might not be cleaning up just UFO sightings, but any high-strangeness events that threaten to pierce the veil of reality.

4. Dr. Herbert Hopkins and the Disappearing Coin (1976)

In one of the most chilling MIB cases on record, Maine physician Dr. Herbert Hopkins was studying a UFO abduction case when he received a phone call from a “representative of a UFO organization” asking to meet.

What Happened?

Minutes later, a man in a black suit arrived unnaturally quickly. He was bald and pale, with no eyebrows or eyelashes, and moved and spoke like a machine.

The man asked Hopkins to remove a coin from his pocket, look at it, and keep watching. To Hopkins’ shock, the coin faded into nothingness—vanished from existence.

Then the MIB said: “Neither you nor anyone else on this planet will ever see that coin again.” He then warned Hopkins to destroy all of his UFO research… which Hopkins did.

Why It Matters:

This case suggests reality manipulation, teleportation, or some dimensional warping—classic markers of an interdimensional enforcer rather than a flesh-and-blood agent.

5. The Niagara Falls Surveillance Camera Footage (2008)

At a hotel near Niagara Falls, a bellhop who had recently witnessed a UFO reported being harassed by two men in black suits. Shortly after, security footage showed two tall men entering the lobby—hairless, identical in appearance, and deeply unsettling to staff.

What Happened?

Witnesses said:

  • They had no facial hair, no eyebrows or eyelashes.
  • Their skin looked artificial.
  • Their suits were identical, down to the creases and folds.
  • They didn’t blink and moved in perfect sync.

No one could explain how they got into the building. Security footage captured their arrival, but no footage of them leaving ever surfaced.

Why It Matters:

This case is one of the few to include video evidence. While some skeptics dismiss it as a prank or performance, the unnerving details—especially their synchronized movements—are consistent with dozens of other accounts.

Echoes Across Space and Time

What do these cases have in common?

  • Uncanny appearance and behavior
  • Preternatural knowledge of events
  • Reality manipulation or psychic interference
  • Association with UFOs, time anomalies, or high strangeness

Each case on its own is eerie. Together, they paint a picture of beings that aren’t quite human or real in the conventional sense. Whether they’re watchers, enforcers, tricksters, or dimensional clean-up crews, their presence suggests something much larger at work—an intelligence working to keep our reality curated, controlled, and contained.

But why?

And what happens when we dig too deep?

The Trickster Element: Agents of Absurdity?

Not all MIB encounters are grim. Some border on absurd, as if the visitor is playing a cosmic prank. Witnesses report MIB struggling to eat Jell-O, failing to understand money, or asking bizarre questions like, “What is your time?” instead of “What time is it?”

This behavior mirrors the archetype of the Trickster, a being from myth and folklore who bends rules, toys with perception, and serves as a chaotic agent of transformation.

In this interpretation, MIB might not be enforcers at all. They could be dimensional interlopers who enjoy destabilizing our sense of normalcy, reminding us that the world is far stranger than we think.

Glitches in the Matrix: Are We Living in a Controlled Reality?

Another disturbing possibility is that the MIB appear when someone uncovers a flaw in the simulation. Think of The Matrix with less kung fu and more existential dread.

The Simulation Hypothesis proposes that we live inside a programmed reality. When someone witnesses something that shouldn’t exist—a UFO, a time slip, a Mandela Effect anomaly—the MIB arrive like virus scanners, deleting the corrupted data and resetting the simulation.

This overlaps with Gnostic Cosmology, where hidden entities (archons or demiurges) enforce ignorance and suppress spiritual awakening. Are the MIB the modern avatars of these ancient jailers?

Final Thoughts: Guardians, Glitches, or Gatekeepers?

There are many ways to interpret the Men in Black:

  1. Government Agents silencing inconvenient witnesses.
  2. Extraterrestrials using android-like avatars to manage contact.
  3. Interdimensional Enforcers editing reality and protecting cosmic secrets.
  4. Trickster Beings who blur the line between paranormal and performance art.
  5. Simulation Cleaners keeping the illusion running smoothly.

Regardless of the origin, one thing is clear: the MIB aren’t going away. While reports have become rarer in the age of digital surveillance, some believe they’ve evolved—operating now through digital means, hacking data, scrambling memories, and manipulating information from behind screens instead of showing up in person.

So next time you see a glitch in the sky, or reality bends in a way you can’t explain… keep an eye out for the tall, pale man in the black suit.

And remember: whatever you saw?

Forget it.

THE MYSTERY OF PROJECT SERPO

On By AlessandraIn Aliens and Alien Abductions, Extrasolar Planets, Sci-Fi, U.F.O.s

Alien Exchange Program or Modern Myth?

In the 1960s, an extraordinary claim surfaced that would forever alter how we view human-alien contact. Project Serpo, an alleged secret exchange program between the U.S. government and extraterrestrials from the Zeta Reticuli star system, promised to unlock the truth about UFOs and alien life. According to the story, 12 human astronauts—ten men and two women—traveled across 39 light-years aboard an alien spacecraft to a distant planet called Serpo. The journey took only a few months, defying our current understanding of space travel. Years later, only a few returned, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. But is there any truth to this incredible tale, or is it just another conspiracy theory?

The Origins of Project Serpo: Fact or Fiction?

Project Serpo entered the public consciousness in 2005 through a series of mysterious emails posted on a UFO email list moderated by a former U.S. government employee, Victor Martinez. The anonymous whistleblower claimed to be a retired Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) official, revealing top-secret information about the alleged exchange program. According to the story, the program began after the notorious Roswell Incident of 1947, where a surviving alien allegedly helped facilitate future human contact with their species—the Ebens from Serpo.

The mission supposedly launched in 1965, and astronauts spent 13 Earth years (but only 10 Serpo years) living on the alien planet. They studied the Ebens’ culture, language, and technology. However, the mission’s success was marred by tragedy: two astronauts died on Serpo, two chose to stay behind, and only a handful returned to Earth.

Fig:1: Planet Serpo’s twin suns.

Yet, despite the dramatic narrative, there is no verifiable evidence to back the story. The source of the emails remains anonymous, and no official government documents have surfaced to confirm any such mission. The lack of physical evidence has led many to dismiss the entire claim as a fictional or highly elaborate conspiracy theory.

Breaking the Light Barrier: Is FTL Travel Possible?

One of the most intriguing aspects of Project Serpo is the claim that the astronauts traveled to Serpo in a mere nine months, despite the planet being 39 light-years away. According to current scientific understanding, this is impossible. According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.

However, some theoretical physicists have speculated about methods allowing faster-than-light (FTL) travel, such as the Alcubierre Drive, which involves bending space-time around a spacecraft. 

Even if these ideas hold theoretical promise, we are far from being able to develop such technology, and no evidence suggests that this capability exists in the hands of extraterrestrials—or that it was used during Project Serpo.

Interstellar Travel: The Reality of Reaching Other Worlds

While interstellar travel remains a cornerstone of science fiction, reaching distant star systems is increasingly becoming a topic of serious scientific discussion. The discovery of exoplanets in habitable zones around stars like Zeta Reticuli raises the possibility that life could exist on other planets. However, current space travel technology (such as chemical rockets or ion drives) remains too slow for a light-year journey. Until propulsion or space-time manipulation breakthroughs occur, travel to such distant places remains beyond our grasp.

One key component of UFO lore is that alien civilizations might have already conquered these technological barriers. If true, this would challenge humanity’s understanding of space, time, and even the limits of human potential.

The Secret History of UFOs and Alien Contact

Project Serpo connects directly to the broader theme of UFO disclosure and the long-standing belief that governments have hidden the truth about extraterrestrial encounters. For decades, UFO enthusiasts have argued that official secrecy, such as the U.S. government’s Project Blue Book and later, the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), has intentionally suppressed evidence of alien encounters.

The idea of a secret human-alien exchange program fits within the context of this narrative. UFO whistleblowers and conspiracy theorists have long claimed that alien contact has already happened, but the details are kept from the public to prevent widespread panic or societal disruption. In some versions of the cover-up narrative, Project Serpo is said to be part of a larger plan to prepare humanity for eventual open contact with extraterrestrials—whether by revealing fragments of information or hiding them for “national security” reasons.

Project Serpo: A Tale of Hidden Knowledge?

While there is no solid evidence to prove the existence of Project Serpo, the idea of hidden alien contact taps into a broader theme of concealed knowledge that has existed for centuries. Just as secret societies and ancient civilizations have been linked to supposed hidden knowledge of extraterrestrial visitors, Project Serpo aligns with the notion that humanity may have already been part of extraterrestrial events but is kept in the dark. This idea of hidden history stretches beyond UFOs and connects to broader questions about humanity’s place in the universe and the true nature of reality.

Could there be a grand cosmic secret that powerful governments or organizations have hidden from the public? Is it possible that space exploration, alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena are part of a more profound mystery that is too complex or dangerous for humanity to understand?

Conclusion: Fact, Fiction, or a Step Toward Disclosure?

Fig.2: An Eben village on planet Serpo where two human astronauts chose to remain.

Project Serpo remains one of the most bizarre and controversial stories in the realm of UFO research. While there is no scientific proof to support its existence, the elements of the story—alien exchange programs, secret missions, and faster-than-light travel—raise important questions about the future of interstellar travel, UFO disclosure, and hidden history.

As we uncover more about exoplanets, advanced propulsion technologies, and the search for extraterrestrial life, the line between science fiction and science fact will likely blur even further. Whether Project Serpo is just a well-crafted myth or a glimpse into a hidden history remains to be seen—but it certainly serves as a thought-provoking piece in the ongoing puzzle of humanity’s relationship with the stars.

THE PLANETARY ZOO

On By AlessandraIn Aliens and Alien Abductions, Extrasolar Planets, S.E.T.I., Sci-Fi

Introduction

The Zoo Hypothesis is a fascinating explanation for the Fermi Paradox—the mystery of why we see no signs of alien civilizations despite the vastness of the universe. It suggests that advanced extraterrestrials deliberately avoidcontactwith Earth, treating us like a species in a cosmic wildlife reserve or a simulation experiment.

Origins of the Zoo Hypothesis

  • It was proposed in 1973 by John A. Ball, an MIT radio astronomer.
  • The idea: If highly advanced civilizations exist, they may intentionally hide from us to allow us to develop naturally—just as humans observe animals in a zoo without interfering.

Why Would Aliens Hide from Us?

1. We Are Too Primitive

  1. Earth might be home to a young, unevolved species.
  2. Advanced civilizations may wait for us to reach a specific technological or ethical maturity level before revealing themselves.
  3. If they contact us too early, it could disrupt our natural progress, similar to how humans enforce non-contact policies with uncontacted tribes on Earth.

2. We Are in a Cosmic Experiment

  1. Earth could be a scientific observation zone where aliens study the evolution of intelligence.
  2. If this is true, our development could be closely monitored, but direct interference is forbidden to maintain an unbiased result.
  3. Could our rapid technological advancements (nuclear power, AI, space travel) trigger “First Contact” protocols?

3. Self-Imposed Alien Secrecy (“Galactic Prime Directive”)

  1. Just as Star Trek’s Prime Directive forbids interference with less advanced civilizations, aliens may have an ethical rule against disturbing primitive species.
  2. Perhaps all intelligent civilizations agree to avoid contact until a species reaches interstellar capability.

4. We Are Being Quarantined

  1. Instead of protecting us, aliens might be protecting themselves from us.
  2. Humanity is still violent and unpredictable, so advanced civilizations may see us as dangerous.
  3. They might be waiting for us to prove we can act responsibly on a cosmic scale.

Possible Evidence for the Zoo Hypothesis

  1. The Great Silence – Despite decades of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), we have found no clear alien signals. If civilizations are avoiding contact, this makes sense.
  2. The Wow! Signal (1977) – A mysterious radio signal from space that has never been explained. Could it have been a brief “ping“ from an alien observer?
  3. UFO/UAP Phenomena – Some suggest that Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) are signs of covert alien monitoring, though this remains speculative.

Could We Break Out of the Cosmic Zoo?

If we are in a “zoo“, how could we force aliens to acknowledge us? Possible strategies:

  1. Sending Powerful Signals – Intentionally transmitting loud radio signals or laser pulses to attract attention (METI – Messaging to Extraterrestrial Intelligence).
  2. Interstellar Expansion – Once we leave Earth and colonize space, it may trigger “first contact“.
  3. Developing Advanced AI or Post-Human Intelligence – If we create superintelligence, it might meet the criteria for alien civilizations to engage with us.

Are We Alone or Just Being Watched?

The Zoo Hypothesis remains speculative, but it’s one of the most intriguing solutions to the Fermi Paradox. If true, it means that there is plenty of life in the universe—but for now, we are being observed until we prove ourselves worthy of joining the greater galactic community.

VISITORS FROM THE STARS, OR ANCIENT ENEMIES IN DISGUISE?

On By AlessandraIn Aliens and Alien Abductions, History, Reading, Sci-Fi, U.F.O.s

Introduction

The idea that UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) could be supernatural entities rather than advanced technology, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial, is an alternative hypothesis that has been proposed by some religious scholars, paranormal researchers, and even a few scientists.

However, there is little to no scientific evidence to support this claim. Let’s break it down logically.

The Demonic UFO Hypothesis

According to this alternative theory, UFOs/UAPs are not spacecraft but manifestations of fallen angels (demons) deceiving humanity. These entities supposedly masquerade as extraterrestrials to shift human belief away from God or to control us. Some interpretations link modern UFO encounters to historical accounts of supernatural beings (e.g., biblical angels, djinn, fae folklore). The idea suggests a spiritual war, with demons tricking humanity into believing in false alien gods. This view is held chiefly by some Christian eschatologists and paranormal researchers, not mainstream scientists.

UFOs: The Official Explanation

From an objective standpoint, the most well-documented UFO/UAP encounters (such as the Pentagon 2021 UAP report) suggest these are physical aerial phenomena, not supernatural manifestations. The possible explanations include:

  • Misidentified aircraft/drones
  • Natural atmospheric phenomena (plasma, ball lightning)
  • Psychological factors (sleep paralysis, hallucinations, high-strangeness effects)
  • Military technology (experimental aircraft, advanced drones)
  • Extraterrestrial visitors (the more traditional UFO hypothesis)

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA have been investigating UAPs, but their reports have not supported supernatural claims.

Why has the Demonic UFO Hypothesis gained popularity recently?

Some researchers (like Jacques Vallée, a prominent UFOlogist) have noted parallels between UFO sightings and historical folklore:

1. Ancient Accounts

Biblical and medieval accounts describe shining, winged beings descending from the sky, bringing messages to humans.

Demonic encounters often involve night-time visitations, paralysis, missing time, and visions—features common in alien abduction reports.

The Book of Enoch (an ancient Jewish text not considered canonical scripture by most present Jewish or Christian church bodies) speaks of the Watchers, fallen angels who descended from heaven—similar to theories about ancient alien visitors.

Modern UFO Parallels

Nordic Aliens (Tall Whites) resemble angelic descriptions—radiant beings delivering messages of peace and wisdom.

Grey Alien abduction narratives often include telepathic communication, paralysis, and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, which match descriptions of demonic oppression.

Orbs and glowing lights seen in UFO encounters mirror historical descriptions of angelic appearances and demonic manifestations.

2. The Fae Folk and Alien Abductions

In European folklore, the fae (fairies, elves, and other supernatural beings) were known to:

  • Appear mysteriously, sometimes emerging from glowing portals.
  • Kidnap humans, often returning them with missing time or altered memories.
  • Communicate telepathically or through cryptic riddles.
  • Sometimes experiment on or “bless” people in ways that resemble medical procedures.

Modern UFO Parallels

Alien abduction stories often involve tiny, humanoid beings that abduct humans, perform bizarre medical tests, and return them with no clear memory.

Missing time and memory distortion in alien encounters mirror accounts of fairy abductions.

In folklore, those taken by the fae often return “different”—similar to how alien abductees describe feeling changed or enlightened after their experiences.

3. Chariots of the Gods (from the title of Erich von Däniken’s 1968 book)

Ancient texts and mythology describe flying vehicles, which some interpret as UFOs.

In the Mahābhārata and the Ramayana (Hindu epics), flying “vimanas” are described as advanced flying machines used by gods.

Ezekiel’s Vision (Biblical Old Testament) describes a flying, glowing craft with wheels spinning within wheels, similar to modern UFO sightings.

Modern UFO Parallels

Many UFOs appear spinning, glowing, or having a structured design, similar to ancient descriptions of divine chariots.

Some ancient astronaut theorists suggest that myths of divine vehicles might be early misinterpretations of alien spacecraft.

4. Paranormal High Strangeness: Shadow People, Poltergeists, and UAPs

Paranormal encounters (ghost sightings, poltergeists, and shadow figures) share similarities with UFO sightings in terms of:

  • Sudden appearance and disappearance of entities.
  • Unexplainable electromagnetic interference (lights flickering, electronics failing).
  • People experiencing visions, voices, and sudden paralysis.

Modern UFO Parallels

UFO witnesses frequently report electrical malfunctions, which mirror disturbances in haunted locations.

Shadow people or vague figures observed in paranormal encounters sometimes resemble alien Men in Black (or MIBs) reports.

Possible Explanations of Unexplained UFO/UAP Reports

There is no empirical scientific evidence that UAPs are demonic entities. Scientific studies of UFOs focus on measurable physical evidence (radar, infrared, eyewitness accounts). The Pentagon’s UAP reports (2021-2024) have documented unknown aerial phenomena but have never linked them to supernatural causes. Psychological and neurological research suggests altered states of consciousness may explain many paranormal experiences.

These experiences could be due to:

  1. Psychological & Neurological Factors: Sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, or temporal lobe activity might explain many encounters.
  2. Interdimensional Theory: Some believe these entities could be ultraterrestrials (beings from another dimension rather than another planet).
  3. A Controlled Experiment: Some Zoo Hypothesis believers suggest that a superior intelligence may “present itself” differently to different civilizations based on cultural context.
  4. Cultural interpretations: Some researchers, including Jacques Vallée, argue that supernatural events and UFO experiences may be different cultural interpretations of the same underlying phenomenon. If UFOs have been seen throughout history, their appearance and behavior may be shaped by cultural expectations. While modern sightings align with technology, past accounts framed similar experiences as spiritual or supernatural. 

Further reading about the Demonic UFO Hypothesis

In-depth studies about the demonic deception hypothesis have been written by:

  1. Daniel O’Connor: The First and Last Deception: Aliens, UFOs, AI, and the Return of Eden’s Demise presents a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary phenomena—such as claims of extraterrestrial life, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI)—through a theological lens. O’Connor posits that these elements are modern manifestations of deception, echoing the biblical narrative of humanity’s fall in Eden. He suggests that just as Eve was misled by a non-human intelligence in the form of a serpent, today’s society faces similar threats disguised as scientific and technological advancements. ​

The book has garnered attention and praise from various Catholic scholars and clergy. Dr. Michael Sirilla, Professor of Systematic and Dogmatic Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, describes it as “informative and pragmatic,” serving as “an extended spiritual meditation on the human condition, salvation history, the enemy’s wiles, and God’s goodness, truth, mercy, and power.” Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, commends the work for its fearless and thought-provoking approach to hot-button topics, noting O’Connor’s extensive research and academic grounding in the Catholic faith.

O’Connor’s central thesis challenges readers to reconsider widely accepted narratives about aliens and AI, framing them as potential tools of deception that could lead humanity away from spiritual truths. He emphasizes the importance of discernment and adherence to scriptural teachings in navigating these complex issues. The book is structured to guide readers through historical contexts, scriptural analyses, and contemporary developments, making a case for vigilance against what O’Connor terms the “Last Deception.” ​

Overall, The First and Last Deception offers a compelling examination of how ancient deceptions may resurface in modern guises, urging readers to remain spiritually vigilant in an era of rapid technological and ideological change.

  1. Nick Redfern: Final Events and the Secret Government Group on Demonic UFOs and the Afterlife delves into the intriguing narrative of a clandestine U.S. government group known as the “Collins Elite.” According to Redfern, this group concluded that Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) are not extraterrestrial but demonic entities with malevolent intentions toward humanity. The book explores how the Collins Elite linked various elements—such as the activities of occult figures like Aleister Crowley and Jack Parsons, the 1947 Roswell incident, and reports of alien abductions—to a broader, sinister agenda aimed at harvesting human souls and ushering in apocalyptic events. ​

Redfern presents his findings through interviews with anonymous insiders and examination of declassified documents. While the book offers a compelling narrative, it is crucial to approach its claims with a critical mindset. The reliance on unnamed sources and the extraordinary nature of the assertions have led some readers and scholars to question the verifiability of the information. For instance, Dr. Michael Heiser, a scholar in biblical studies, has expressed reservations about the book’s conclusions, highlighting issues such as uncritical assumptions about eschatology and a potentially simplistic demonology. ​

Overall, Final Events is a provocative contribution to the discourse on UAPs, especially regarding interpretations that diverge from the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Readers interested in the intersection of government secrecy, the paranormal, and theological perspectives may find the book thought-provoking. However, it should be read with an awareness of its speculative nature and the challenges inherent in substantiating its claims.

  1. Hugh Ross, Kenneth Samples, and Mark Clark: Lights in the Sky & Little Green Men: A Rational Christian Look at UFOs and Extraterrestrials offers a comprehensive examination of UFO phenomena through the lens of Christian theology and scientific inquiry. The authors aim to provide readers with a balanced perspective on topics such as extraterrestrial life, government involvement in UFO investigations, and the potential spiritual implications of UFO encounters. 

The book is structured to address several key questions:​

  • Existence of Extraterrestrial Life: The authors explore the scientific plausibility of life on other planets, considering factors such as the conditions necessary for life and the vastness of the universe. 
  • Government Involvement: The book analyzes documented UFO sightings and the extent of governmental investigations into such phenomena, aiming to discern fact from speculation. ​
  • Spiritual Interpretations: The book delves into the relationship between UFO sightings and demonology, discussing whether some encounters might have spiritual or supernatural explanations. ​

Here’s an interesting passage from this book:

On the television or movie screen, spacecraft are free to fly without any limitations except those of their creators’ imagination. But in the real world, the laws of physics apply. It seems evident that RUFOs must be nonphysical because they disobey firmly established physical laws. Unlike physical entities, RUFOs typically exhibit the following characteristics: 

1.  RUFOs leave no physical artifacts, even after crashing. 

2.  They generate no sonic booms when they break the sound barrier, nor do they show any evidence of meeting with air resistance. 

3.  They may be seen but not photographed, or they may be photographed (though never with high resolution) but not seen. In fact, the resolution of a UFO image may change from one moment to the next. 

4.  RUFOs may be detected by radar but not seen, or they may be seen but not detected by radar. 

5.  They make impossibly sharp turns and sudden stops and impossibly rapid accelerations to speeds approaching fifteen thousand miles per hour. 

6.  RUFOs hover aboveground or harm buildings and trees without any movement of air—no downward rush or other movement counter to ambient air currents. 

7.  They change momentum without yielding an opposite change of momentum in matter or in an energy field either coupled to the object or in the vicinity of the object. 

8.  They change shape, size, and color at random. 

9.  RUFOs suddenly disappear and reappear, or they disintegrate and reintegrate. 

10. They send no detectable electromagnetic signals. 

11. They emit light that casts no shadows. They project light beams of finite length or emit some light that twinkles and other light that does not. They change the apparent color of people, objects, or vehicles they spotlight. 

12. They sometimes remain indistinguishable in shape despite close observation. 

13. RUFOs consistently succeed in evasive action, sometimes vanishing instantly or at other times seeming to enter the ground without leaving a trace. 

14. They melt asphalt and metal objects, and burn grass and leaves, without fire or flame. 

15. They physically injure and even kill human observers apart from any identifiable physical agent.

Utilizing their backgrounds in science, theology, and political science, Ross, Samples, and Clark integrate empirical research with scriptural analysis to offer a rational and faith-based perspective. They emphasize the importance of discernment and critical thinking when evaluating UFO-related claims, encouraging readers to consider scientific evidence and theological principles. ​

The authors also address the cultural fascination with UFOs, examining how media and popular beliefs have shaped public perception. They caution against uncritical acceptance of sensational claims and advocate for a thoughtful approach that considers multiple dimensions of the phenomena. ​

Overall, Lights in the Sky & Little Green Men is a thought-provoking resource for those interested in understanding UFOs from a Christian worldview. It provides insights that bridge the gap between faith and reason.

High-profile discussions of UFOs in government reports, media, and Hollywood have fueled speculation about what these phenomena genuinely are.

Should We Take the Demonic UFO Theory Seriously?

If we approach this scientifically, there is no concrete evidence that UFOs/UAPs are supernatural. The most rational explanation remains that these are a mix of military, natural, and psychological phenomena. Some UFO reports may be genuine unknowns or RUFOs, but that does not mean they are demons. However, Many UAP phenomena bear striking similarities to ancient supernatural encounters, suggesting that the same underlying experiences may have been interpreted differently across time.

Great Sci-Fi Novels 5: Jack Williamson’s ‘Darker than You Think’

On By AlessandraIn Cats, My Novels, Reading, Sci-Fi, Writing

Darker Than You Think is one of the best stories I’ve ever read, if not the best. Although Jack Williamson wrote it in the 1930s, it’s fast-moving, incredibly well-written, and retains its supernatural horror charm. The first time I read it, I was a teenager. Since then, I enjoyed many other books and movies on werewolves, but Darker Than You Think is unique. I found this novel so inspiring that I wrote my own werewolf novel (more on this later.)

The novel’s introduction by Dennis Wheatley in the Gollancz (SF-Gateway) e-book version is worth quoting entirely:

This story by Jack Williamson has a truly original plot. 

It is based on the theory that all of us have a small (or occasionally quite large) percentage of evil in us, owing to blood we have inherited from that far distant past when it is said that ‘the Sons of God (Dark Angels in this case) went into the Daughters of Men’. 

It starts with Will Barbee, a journalist in the American town of Clarendon, at the local airport. He is on an assignment to report the homecoming of a famous American archaeologist, Dr. Lamarck Mondrick, who is returning from two years’ work in a desolate part of Mongolia. 

A few years earlier Barbee had been one of Dr. Mondrick’s most promising students; but when the doctor made up his team to accompany him to Mongolia, without explanation he excluded Barbee and took three of his contemporaries. Later the reason why the doctor would not take Barbee emerges. He sensed that the young man, although ignorant of it himself, had inherited from both his parents blood that contained a dangerously high proportion of this prehistoric evil. 

While waiting on the airfield an exceptionally lovely girl, April Bell, introduces herself to Will Barbee as a cub reporter on her first assignment for a rival paper. He is so strongly attracted to her that, against his better judgement, he gives her useful material for writing her article. She is carrying a large open snakeskin bag in which there is a small black kitten and a beautifully carved white jade wolf on a gold pin. The aircraft arrives but there is considerable delay in its passengers disembarking, because Dr. Mondrick wishes to make an announcement of worldwide importance. While the press and television men are assembling, the doctor’s companions bring out from the plane a large box which they will allow no one to approach. He then begins his announcement, but is obviously extremely ill and, before revealing his great secret, falls dead. Later Barbee discovers April’s black kitten dead in an ash can with her wolf-headed pin through its heart.


Fig.2: April Bell. I generated this image with Midjourney AI, starting from Jack Williamson’s description.

Much puzzled, he takes her out to dinner and she tells him of her past. She was illegitimate and her stepfather used to beat her unmercifully. Then she gradually discovered that she had occult powers, and used them as a witch to revenge herself on Barbee is so fascinated by her big green eyes, wonderful head of flaming red hair and alluring body that he cannot believe evil of her, and they continue to meet. 

A night comes when in his sleep he hears April calling him; he suffers a few minutes’ physical anguish then tumbles out of bed to find that he has become a big grey wolf. At once he sets off to join her and sees that she is now in the form of a beautiful white wolf. He feels a new freedom through his physical change and derives great pleasure from racing through the deserted streets beside her. The author’s description of Barbee’s reactions as an animal to smells that a human would hardly notice is most skillfully conveyed, and April succeeds in temporarily convincing him that he is one of her own kind – a race of super-humans with powers that will enable them to dominate the world. But they have enemies who must be destroyed: the three young men who accompanied Dr. Mondrick to Mongolia, who are in a desperate state of nerves guarding the mysterious box they brought back; and Dr. Mondrick’s blind widow.


Fig.3: Dr. Lamarck Mondrick’s study, crammed with ancient and mysterious artifacts. I generated this image with Midjourney AI, starting from Jack Williamson’s description.

All four of them know too much; yet they are Barbee’s dearest friends. He is terribly reluctant to harm them. Even so, he becomes more and more enslaved by the lovely witch and delights in those nights when, free from all care, he can rove the countryside with her. Terrible deeds ensue.

Years ago, after I gave up on trying to become a professional astronomer, I decided to follow an old dream of mine, that is, write down the fantasy and Sci-Fi stories I used to tell myself since I was a kid (usually before sleeping, or when I was bored at school, or even when I shouldn’t have, for example when I had to work or study.) The stories were many, with details taken from hundreds of TV shows I’d watched and comics and books I’d read during my early life. Ultimately, they merged into a single plot of three different storylines, converging to an unexpected finale. 

The writing technique of taking inspiration from multiple sources was known to the ancient Roman scriptwriters. It was called ‘contamination’ and consisted of taking elements of two or more Greek tragedies to create a new and original Latin script. Far from being plagiarism, many famous authors, screenwriters, and directors are known to have reworked elements from other artists’ productions into their successful creations. For example, when George Lucas wrote and directed the original Star Wars movie, he was influenced by several Sci-Fi and fantasy stories, both in visual and written form. The characters of Princess Leia, the captive of the evil galactic empire, and her rescuers Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are derived from the protagonists of Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) (two Japanese peasants agree to accompany a general and a princess to safety in return for gold). Also, Star Wars’ final scene, where Princess Leia awards her rescuers a gold medal, is almost a carbon copy of the finale of George Sidney’s The Three Musketeers (1948), where the queen of France rewards D’Artagnan & Co.

But I digress. Although my novel The Empire Can Wait is original, it is influenced by Darker Than You Think. Set in a distant future, when humanity has spread all over the Milky Way Galaxy, and interaction with alien races is an everyday matter, it’s the story of a flawed young man on a quest to retrieve the only weapon against a conspiracy led by an evil Prime Minister and his clique of superhumans.

I’ve been self-editing this novel for years, following every writing advice I could find. Now, I’ve reached a point where more editing can only be harmful. So, I plan to share the prologue and the first few chapters of The Empire Can Wait on this website.

STELLAR ENGINES: USING A STAR AS A STARSHIP

On By AlessandraIn Extrasolar Planets, S.E.T.I., Sci-Fi

Introduction

Imagine looking up at the night sky and knowing that humanity has the power to move entire stars across the Galaxy. This concept isn’t pure fantasy. A future technology could move stars using stellar engines. This hypothetical megastructure enables an advanced civilization to harness the energy of its parent star and even guide its solar system to a safer or more hospitable region of the cosmos.

But why would anyone want to move a star? The universe is dynamic and often dangerous. Stars are vulnerable to gravitational interactions, nearby supernovae, and even the slow drift through the Galaxy’s regions of varying radiation levels. Stellar engines offer a tantalizing vision of cosmic-scale problem-solving, where intelligent beings could shape their fates on an interstellar stage. For us on Earth, these ideas stretch the limits of imagination and raise intriguing questions about our future in the universe.

What Are Stellar Engines?

At their core, stellar engines are large, theoretical structures intended to control a star’s energy output or even move the star itself. These megastructures stem from speculative science and astrophysics, providing solutions for considerable problems in space and revealing great possibilities for advanced civilizations.

To grasp stellar engines, it’s helpful to consider the Kardashev Scale, which measures a civilization’s technology based on energy use. A Type II civilization can use all the energy from its star. Stellar engines go beyond this by allowing the civilization to influence the star’s movement and behavior.

Stellar engines are linked to megastructures like Dyson Spheres, which are large shells or groups of satellites that surround a star to gather its energy. Unlike just collecting energy, stellar engines also have systems that use that energy for movement. This means they are energy sources and tools for navigating the Galaxy and ensuring survival.

Though purely theoretical at this stage, stellar engines are fascinating because they represent the ultimate fusion of science and engineering. They challenge us to think big, not just in terms of individual planets or solar systems, but in the ability to reshape the Galaxy. By studying these ideas, we gain insight into the limits of technology and the ingenuity needed to transcend them.

How Do Stellar Engines Work?

Stellar engines work by harnessing the immense energy output of a star and redirecting it for specific purposes, such as propulsion or power generation. While the exact mechanisms remain speculative, scientists and theorists have proposed several designs that outline how these structures work. Here are the primary types of stellar engines:

  1. Shkadov Thruster. 

The most straightforward and widely discussed stellar engine design, the Shkadov Thruster, uses a giant, reflective mirror to create an imbalance in a star’s radiation pressure. Reflecting light asymmetrically generates a small but continuous thrust that can slowly move the star and its solar system over millions of years. Think of it as a colossal cosmic sail.

2. Kardashev – Dyson Engine

This concept involves constructing a Dyson Sphere or Dyson Swarm around a star to capture its energy. A part of this energy is then redirected to power propulsion systems, effectively turning the star into a galactic engine. This design emphasizes energy efficiency and control, offering mobility and a near-limitless energy supply for the civilization operating it.

3. Caplan Thruster

A more modern and complex design, the Caplan Thruster, introduces active intervention. This system would collect hydrogen and helium from the interstellar medium or the star itself and use fusion reactions to create plasma jets. These jets would push against the star, generating propulsion. The Caplan Thruster represents a significant step toward controlled and directional stellar movement, but it requires advanced technology and precise engineering.

Each design has challenges, from material requirements to energy management and sheer scale. For instance, building a reflective surface or a Dyson Swarm large enough to enclose a star is far beyond humanity’s current capabilities. Nevertheless, these ideas offer a blueprint for what might one day be possible for civilizations millions or billions of years ahead.

Stellar engines also highlight the delicate balance between ambition and practicality. Even with advanced technology, the energy needed to move a star is astronomical—yet the slow, steady movement enabled by these engines could allow civilizations to adapt to long-term cosmic threats and opportunities.

Why Move a Star?

The idea of relocating a star may seem excessive or unnecessary, but there are compelling reasons why an advanced civilization might consider such an effort. Here are some key motivations:

  1. Avoiding Cosmic Hazards

The universe is filled with potential threats that could endanger a star system’s habitability. Supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, or even rogue black holes pose existential risks. A stellar engine could allow a civilization to move its star system away from dangerous regions of space, ensuring long-term survival.

2. Optimizing Habitability

Over time, stars naturally evolve and change, impacting the habitability of their surrounding planets. For instance, a star may brighten as it ages, potentially rendering its planets too hot for life. A stellar engine could help keep the optimal distance between a planet and its star, prolonging the system’s habitability.

3. Galactic Colonization

As civilizations expand and seek new frontiers, stellar engines could allow entire star systems to migrate to regions with abundant resources or less competition. This would aid interstellar colonization on a massive scale, allowing a civilization to thrive across the Galaxy.

4. Escaping Dying Galaxies

In the distant future, galaxies may face challenges such as reduced star formation or gravitational interactions that lead to destabilization. Moving stars to more active or stable regions could guarantee the longevity of a civilization’s energy sources and resources.

5. Creating Custom Galactic Trajectories

Advanced civilizations might engineer their star systems’ trajectories to explore specific regions of the Galaxy, join in cosmic-scale projects, or even form alliances with other civilizations. Stellar engines would supply the mobility necessary for such strategic decisions.

While these motivations are speculative, they highlight the strategic thinking that might drive a civilization’s pursuit of stellar engines. These megastructures are not merely survival tools but instruments of cosmic exploration, adaptability, and ambition. For humanity, even considering such possibilities challenges us to rethink our place in the universe and inspires a future of limitless potential.

Challenges And Realities

While the concept of stellar engines sparks the imagination, the challenges of building such colossal structures are daunting. These challenges remind us that stellar engines, though theoretically possible, remain firmly in the realm of speculation due to technological, logistical, and ethical barriers. Here are some of the most significant hurdles:

  1. Energy Requirements

Moving a star involves manipulating an astronomical amount of energy. For instance, generating the thrust needed to shift the Sun would need far more energy than humanity now produces or could produce with foreseeable technology. Even harnessing a small part of a star’s energy for propulsion is monumental.

2. Material Limitations

The materials needed to construct structures as massive as a Dyson Swarm or a Shkadov Thruster must withstand intense radiation, extreme heat, and the gravitational forces near a star. Developing these materials would be a prerequisite to any stellar engine project.

3. Time Scales

Even with advanced technology, moving a star would take thousands, if not millions, of years. This requires planning and long-term thinking far beyond what humanity has ever achieved. Focusing on such projects over vast periods would be essential for civilizations capable of stellar engines.

4. Engineering Complexity

The scale and precision needed to build and run a stellar engine are unprecedented. Coordinating the construction of a Dyson Sphere or directing a Caplan Thruster would need breakthroughs in robotics, artificial intelligence, and space logistics.

5. Ethical Considerations

Using stellar engines would have profound implications for any planets or systems affected by a star’s movement. Disrupting the orbits of neighboring systems or causing ecological harm would raise serious ethical questions. Advanced civilizations must balance their ambitions with a commitment to minimizing damage.

6. Risk of Failure

The risks linked to such projects are immense. A miscalculation in energy output or propulsion could destabilize an entire solar system, potentially threatening any civilizations or ecosystems reliant on that star.

Despite these challenges, stellar engines represent the pinnacle of speculative engineering—a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of intelligent life. Exploring these ideas pushes the boundaries of what we consider possible and inspires us to prepare for a future that may one day include cosmic-scale projects. Whether or not humanity ever builds a stellar engine, pursuing such knowledge is a vital part of our journey to understand the universe and our place within it.

Conclusion

Stellar engines are more than just a speculative idea; they are a testament to the boundless potential of intelligent life to reshape the universe. These concepts challenge us to think on scales far beyond our current technological capabilities and inspire us to dream of a future where humanity can wield the power of the stars themselves.

While the challenges of constructing such megastructures are immense, exploring their possibilities encourages innovation and long-term thinking. They remind us that our journey as a species is not confined to the Earth or even the solar system but tied to the vast expanse of the cosmos. By considering the engineering, ethical, and logistical hurdles of stellar engines, we take steps toward understanding what it means to be a genuinely interstellar civilization.

The dream of moving a star—or even shaping the Galaxy—represents science and imagination’s ultimate fusion. Though we are far from realizing such feats, pursuing these ideas can push the boundaries of our knowledge and fuel our aspirations. As we stand on the brink of incredible technological advancements, the question is no longer whether we can dream big but how those dreams might become reality someday. Stellar engines remind us that the universe is not just a backdrop to our existence but a playground for innovation and discovery. They urge us to embrace a cosmic perspective, where the limits of what we can achieve are defined only by the scope of our imagination and the courage to act upon it.

Through the lens of stellar engines, we glimpse a future where humanity transcends its terrestrial origins to become a force of creativity and adaptation on a galactic scale. This vision challenges us to build the tools and technologies needed.