[Paper Review] Galactic-scale macro-engineering: Looking for signs of other intelligent species, as an exercise in hope for our own

Joseph Voros|arXiv (Cornell University)|Nov 28, 2013

Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life52 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes that advanced, long-lived civilizations may have engineered galaxies into ringed structures like Hoag's Object through large-scale macro-engineering, such as relocating stars or constructing Dyson Spheres. It suggests that such artificial galaxies could be detectable via spectroscopic anomalies, structural symmetry, and time-keeping beacons, offering a novel 'Dysonian' approach to SETI with profound implications for humanity's long-term future outlook.

ABSTRACT

If we consider Big History as simply 'our' example of the process of cosmic evolution playing out, then we can seek to broaden our view of our possible fate as a species by asking questions about what paths or trajectories other species' own versions of Big History might take or have taken. This paper explores the broad outlines of possible scenarios for the evolution of long-lived intelligent engineering species---scenarios which might have been part of another species' own Big History story, or which may yet lie ahead in our own distant future. A sufficiently long-lived engineering-oriented species may decide to undertake a program of macro-engineering projects that might eventually lead to a re-engineered galaxy so altered that its artificiality may be detectable from Earth. We consider activities that lead ultimately to a galactic structure consisting of a central inner core surrounded by a more distant ring of stars separated by a relatively sparser 'gap', where star systems and stellar materials may have been removed, 'lifted' or turned into Dyson Spheres. When one looks to the sky, one finds that such galaxies do indeed exist---including the beautiful ringed galaxy known as 'Hoag's Object' (PGC 54559) in the constellation Serpens. This leads us to pose the question: Is Hoag's Object an example of galaxy-scale macro-engineering? And this suggests a program of possible observational activities and theoretical explorations, several of which are presented here, that could be carried out in order to begin to investigate this beguiling question.

Motivation & Objective

• To explore the feasibility and detectability of galaxy-scale macro-engineering by long-lived, post-biological civilizations.
• To challenge conventional SETI by shifting focus from radio signals to large-scale artificial structures.
• To propose that Hoag's Object may not be a natural phenomenon but a potential artifact of advanced engineering.
• To stimulate long-term thinking about humanity’s future by imagining the success of other civilizations.
• To provide a framework for observational and theoretical investigations into artificial galactic morphologies.

Proposed method

• Analyzing the morphological structure of Hoag’s Object for signs of artificiality, particularly its symmetric ring and central core.
• Assessing spectroscopic anomalies in the ring region that could indicate artificial composition or stellar engineering.
• Proposing the existence of a time-keeping beacon at or near the galactic core to synchronize distant macro-engineering activities.
• Modeling the energy efficiency of directed, non-isotropic signal transmission for galactic-scale coordination.
• Evaluating the likelihood of artificial star formation seeding in the ring structure, possibly for biological cultivation or aesthetic signaling.
• Comparing natural formation theories of ring galaxies with engineered alternatives to identify detectable discrepancies.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Could the symmetric ring structure of Hoag’s Object be the result of deliberate galactic-scale engineering rather than natural astrophysical processes?
• RQ2 What observational signatures might distinguish an artificially restructured galaxy from a naturally formed one?
• RQ3 Is it plausible that a post-biological, long-lived civilization would engage in galaxy-scale macro-engineering, and if so, what would be its likely objectives?
• RQ4 Could a time-keeping beacon at the galactic center be detectable, and what would its characteristics be in terms of directionality and energy use?
• RQ5 What role might artificial star formation or material redistribution play in such a macro-engineering project?

Key findings

• Hoag’s Object exhibits a symmetric ring structure with a central core and a 'braid' feature that may indicate synchronized star formation, possibly artificial in origin.
• The ring region shows potential spectroscopic anomalies that could suggest artificial composition or stellar engineering.
• A time-keeping beacon at the galactic center is a plausible, energy-efficient mechanism for synchronizing distant macro-engineering activities.
• The ring morphology of Hoag’s Object bears resemblance to a Dyson sphere-like structure, suggesting possible large-scale energy-harvesting projects.
• The existence of a 'gap' between the core and ring may indicate the removal or reconfiguration of stellar material, consistent with macro-engineering.
• The paper concludes that while no definitive evidence is found, the possibility of artificial origin remains a scientifically viable and thought-provoking hypothesis.