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Cosmic Call 2: The 2003 METI Message to the Stars

The Ambitious Cosmic Call 2 Initiative

In the year 2003, a historic moment for interstellar communication took place when the 70-meter Eupatoria Planetary Radar, located in Ukraine, sent a message designed to reach potential extraterrestrial civilizations. This endeavor was named Cosmic Call 2 and represented humanity's attempt to establish contact with intelligent life beyond Earth. The message targeted five stars—Hip 4872, HD 245409, 55 Cancri, HD 10307, and 47 Ursae Majoris—and was scheduled to reach these destinations over the following decades, with the last transmissions expected to arrive in 2049.

What is Cosmic Call 2?

The Cosmic Call 2 project aimed to send a digital message containing mathematical concepts, human representation figures, and the structure of DNA, all crafted in a way that could be understood by any receiver familiar with basic mathematics. This multifaceted message not only serves as a greeting but also as a declaration of humanity’s presence in the vast cosmos.

Targets of the Message

Each of the selected stars has its unique characteristics relevant for potential habitable planets. For instance, 55 Cancri is a well-known binary system that has garnered interest due to its exoplanets, making it a prime candidate for contacting intelligent civilizations. The other stars also exhibit potential for hosting life or habitable zones, increasing the hope that our message could be received.

Awaiting Responses: Incoming Years

The reception of the Cosmic Call 2 signals to be sent in 2036 through 2049 will open a new chapter in the quest for extraterrestrial communication. As we await potential replies, astronomers and enthusiasts alike speculate about the implications of the future discoveries concerning these targeted star systems.

Timeline of Arrival

Each star, based on its distance from Earth, has a specific year when the message is expected to arrive. For example, messages will reach Hip 4872 in 2036 and 55 Cancri by 2040. This calculated time frame allows scientists to prepare for possible responses and further investigations into any detected signals.

Future Prospects

The initiative emphasizes the spirit of scientific inquiry and our innate desire to connect with others. As we delve deeper into our understanding of the universe, Cosmic Call 2 stands as a testament to human curiosity and the hope that we aren’t alone in the cosmos.

Fun Fact

The Unique Nature of Cosmic Call 2

Unlike many previous METI (Messaging to Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) initiatives, Cosmic Call 2 highlighted a collaborative effort involving over 60 scientists and space enthusiasts, showcasing the collective aspiration to reach out to the stars.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Cosmic Call 2

For those curious about further explorations into this groundbreaking event, consider reading 'The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence' by Paul Davies or 'Contact' by Carl Sagan, which delve into the implications of communication with advanced civilizations.