Latest news with #WhaleSETI
Sustainability Times
16-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Whales Are Talking to Us': These Majestic Giants Are Creating New Communication Methods That Could Transform Human-Animal Interaction
IN A NUTSHELL 🐋 Researchers have observed humpback whales creating intricate bubble formations, potentially as a form of communication with humans. creating intricate bubble formations, potentially as a form of communication with humans. 🔍 These bubble rings are distinct from those used for feeding and appear exclusively in the presence of humans, suggesting intentional interaction. are distinct from those used for feeding and appear exclusively in the presence of humans, suggesting intentional interaction. 🛸 The WhaleSETI team is studying these behaviors to draw analogies with potential extraterrestrial communication methods. with potential extraterrestrial communication methods. 🌊 Understanding these silent messages could enhance conservation efforts and deepen our appreciation of marine life. In a world where communication transcends the confines of human language, humpback whales are making waves—literally. Recent observations suggest that these majestic marine mammals may be attempting to communicate with humans, not through their haunting songs, but by creating intricate patterns with bubbles. This revelation not only deepens our understanding of whale behavior but also prompts us to rethink our approach to recognizing intelligence, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial. The Silent Language Beneath the Waves Humpback whales are renowned for their sophisticated hunting techniques, such as creating bubble curtains to trap prey. However, recent studies reveal a different use of bubbles: isolated, symmetrical rings directed towards boats and swimmers. These rings, crafted with precision, are not associated with feeding, as observed in 12 episodes involving 11 whales producing 39 rings. Unlike the aggressive or food-seeking behavior, these interactions were calm, often accompanied by 'spy-hopping,' where whales peek above the water to observe their surroundings. The exclusive appearance of these rings in the presence of humans, as evidenced by drone footage, suggests a deliberate attempt at interaction. Researchers have yet to observe such behavior in the absence of people, reinforcing the notion that these intelligent creatures might be testing human responses. This silent language beneath the oceans opens a new chapter in understanding interspecies communication. 'China's Colossal Machine Unleashed': Weighing 42,600 Tons, This Monster Drill Aims to Shatter World Records by Reaching 7 Miles Deep An Analogy for Extraterrestrial Research The WhaleSETI team is exploring these behaviors to refine cosmic signal detection techniques. Just as whales might be experimenting with bubble-based communication, it's conceivable that an extraterrestrial intelligence could similarly seek spontaneous interaction. In 2021, a remarkable 'conversation' with a whale named Twain demonstrated acoustic exchanges, hinting at a rich tapestry of communication methods beyond vocalization. These findings challenge our perception of intelligence and communication. The notion that whales, with their bubble rings, could mirror the attempts of an alien civilization to reach out to us is both humbling and intriguing. It invites a reevaluation of how we perceive non-human intelligences and the mediums through which they might communicate. 'Plasma Chaos Finally Cracked': This New Tech Unveils the Hidden Turbulence Threatening the Future of Nuclear Fusion Interpreting the Bubble Patterns To better understand this phenomenon, researchers have documented various bubble formations. These include bubble nets used for hunting and symmetrical rings possibly intended for communication. The differences between these formations are stark, as shown in the table below: Bubble Formation Purpose Observation Context Bubble Nets Hunting Feeding Frenzies Symmetrical Rings Potential Communication Human Interaction Through detailed analysis, researchers are piecing together the purpose of these formations. The lack of bubble rings in the absence of humans strengthens the hypothesis that these are deliberate communication attempts. By understanding the intentions behind these silent messages, we inch closer to decoding the language of the whales. 'James Webb Spots Cosmic Shock': This Newly Found Ancient Structure Challenges Everything We Knew About the Early Universe The Broader Implications for Human-Whale Interaction As we deepen our understanding of whale communication, the implications for conservation are significant. Recognizing whales as intelligent beings with complex communication systems can bolster efforts to protect them and their habitats. This recognition could foster greater empathy and understanding, leading to more effective conservation strategies. Moreover, these findings highlight the importance of preserving our oceans as sanctuaries for such magnificent creatures. Each bubble ring represents not just an attempt at communication but also a call for coexistence and mutual respect. As we strive to understand whales, we also learn to appreciate the intricate web of life in our oceans. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of whale communication, we are reminded of the vast unknowns that still lie beneath the ocean's surface. What other secrets might these marine giants hold, and how might they inform our search for intelligence beyond our planet? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientists identify strange 'communication' of non-human intelligence in Earth's oceans
Scientists have found the source of a strange form of communication in the ocean that they say could help them locate extraterrestrial life in space. Researchers from the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) revealed that large 'smoke ring-like' bubbles coming from underwater were created by humpback whales, which researchers believe is their way of greeting nearby humans. It's the first time scientists have seen whales sending out these unique rings while interacting with people in the wild, and the SETI team said they show an intentional attempt to get the attention of humans - just like saying hello. Until now, the bubble rings have only been seen while humpbacks were gathering prey and when males were making a trail of bubble rings to attract a mate. Researchers said it's quite possible whales have been trying to communicate with people for years but the phenomenon hasn't been studied until now. The team added that these bubble rings could help researchers refine their search for an alien intelligence in the cosmos, opening a door to spotting unusual signals from space that we normally wouldn't think are meant for humans. Study co-lead author Dr Fred Sharpe from the University of California-Davis said: 'They are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication.' Now, the institute's WhaleSETI team is studying if this could be a sign that intelligent marine animals are trying to talk to humans, in the same way that aliens from a distant ocean may try to contact Earth. The SETI Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to searching for extraterrestrial intelligence and studying the origins and nature of life in the universe. Scientists analyzed 12 bubble ring episodes that involved 11 different humpback whales between 2019 and 2023 in the wild. These rare reports came from naturalists, citizen scientists, and researchers who revealed what they saw on social media, during interviews, or at scientific conferences. In total, the witnesses spotted 39 bubble rings from whale-watching boats, research vessels, private ships, and airplanes. The study, published in Marine Mammal Science, found that bubble rings were produced in three main contexts: feeding, resting, and curiosity - which was the most common purpose. There were nine instances of humpback whales blowing bubble rings near boats and swimmers. The whales in these cases were consistently seen approaching boats and people in the water without any signs of aggression, splashing their tails and spraying water out of their blowholes. The researchers said this was a clear sign that the humpbacks were relaxed and trying to be playful, leading them to feel comfortable communicating with the humans near them. They typically let out bubble rings from their blowholes that were six to 10 feet in diameter, which floated straight up and look like a smoke ring when they reached the ocean surface. The rings were often aimed right at humans and were paired with other playful behaviors like circling the boats or peeking at swimmers. The humpbacks didn't show anger or fear and lingered after sending out the bubble ring, almost as if waiting for the people to 'answer' their greeting. Scientists concluded that these rings might be a whale's way of saying, 'Hey, let's chat!' or play a game to see how we react, much like a child blowing bubbles to get our attention. The team from SETI said this never-before-seen behavior among humpback whales further supports the assumption that intelligent extraterrestrial life might also seek contact with humans. SETI Institute scientist and study co-author Dr Laurance Doyle said: 'This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behavior in humpback whales.' Humpback whales have been a constant resource in SETI's search for alien life, with researchers using them as a model of intelligent, non-human creatures which may be living on distant ocean worlds By studying these whales and their new interactions with people as an example of non-human intelligence, WhaleSETI researchers are creating ways of finding and translating potential signals found in space. The institute suggested that bubble rings could be a deliberate attempt by whales to talk with humans they considered peaceful, not just aimless play. According to SETI, this would mimic how extraterrestrials might target satellite receivers on Earth if they wanted to contact humanity. This isn't the first time the WhaleSETI team has connected the behavior of humpbacks to aliens. In 2023, scientists engaged in a 20-minute 'conversation' with a humpback whale named Twain in Alaska. They played whale calls for her and Twain responded with similar calls, matching the timing like a back-and-forth chat. That study showed whales can intentionally interact with humans, helping SETI scientists understand the non-human intelligences they may find in space. 'By integrating our findings into the broader context of Drake's Equation, we aspire to advance our understanding of the factors influencing the emergence of communicative intelligence in extraterrestrial civilizations,' the WhaleSETI team explained in a statement. Drake's Equation is a mathematical formula created in 1961 to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy that can communicate with humans and might be detectable through their signals, like radio waves. If whales show that curiosity and friendly interactions are key to communication, it suggests alien civilizations might also need these traits to develop detectable signals, influencing the numbers in Drake's Equation and guiding SETI's search for life beyond Earth.
