2008/09/02 by John G. Learned, J. G. Learned, R-P. Kudritzki +7 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Physics and Astronomy · #Fractal and DNA sequence analysis #astro-ph #hep-ph #physics.pop-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0809.0339
5 pages, 3 figures
arxiv created 2008/09/02 · openalex publication_date 2008/09/02 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We propose that a sufficiently advanced civilization may employ Cepheid variable stars as beacons to transmit all-call information throughout the galaxy and beyond. One can construct many scenarios wherein it would be desirable for such a civilization of star ticklers to transmit data to anyone else within viewing range. The beauty of employing Cepheids is that these stars can be seen from afar(we monitor them out through the Virgo cluster), and any developing technological society would seem to be likely to closely observe them as distance markers. Records exist of Cepheids for well over one hundred years. We propose that these (and other regularly variable types of stars) be searched for signs of phase modulation (in the regime of short pulse duration) and patterns, which could be indicative of intentional signaling.