Trevor Collins

much like when we sent that golden record out on the voyager spacecraft we need to communicate where the earth is through common languages and so we map out the earth based on pulsars that we know exist around us we also convey geometric knowledge so that way you're using the laws of the universe to communicate with one another and so this isn't a guarantee

But because hydrogen is so abundant in the universe and because it does emit at the 1420 megahertz line, logic would dictate that any intelligent species trying to contact somebody else would also kind of share that wavelength.

Say, let's use 1420 megahertz and blast it at somebody because then they'll be like, it's usually not that loud.

That feels intelligent, right?

Yeah.

Okay.

So notably, and this is partially why, in fact, Earth through international agreement has prohibited the use of emitting on or near the hydrogen line.

And so you can't broadcast on the 1420 megahertz line because

I think it's to protect that frequency from overuse.

It also would interfere with studies of the universe, but also we're kind of keeping the line open in case some thicked up aliens from Jupiter want to come call.

Yeah.

We don't need to crowd out what the universe is talking to us on.

Okay.

I like to think the president's got that red phone to do scary stuff.

But then actually in a secret drawer right next to it, there's a there's a maybe a hot pink or a fuchsia phone.

And that all it does is receive the 1420 megahertz band.

You know what I'm saying?

So when they come calling, bang.

We're on the phone.

My heart would drop.