The “A Sign in Space” project by artist Daniela de Paulis simulates the reception and decoding of a potential extraterrestrial message. On May 24, 2023, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter transmitted an encoded signal to Earth, detected by three global observatories: SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array, the Green Bank Telescope, and the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station. This initiative unites SETI researchers, space scientists, and the public in a collaborative effort to interpret an extraterrestrial communication while fostering global dialogue around space research and societal implications. De Paulis emphasizes the transformational potential of such a discovery for humanity, suggesting that the project presents a unique opportunity to rehearse this scenario collectively. The specific content of the encoded message remains undisclosed, inviting public involvement in the decoding process, facilitated through a dedicated Discord server and submission form on the project’s website. The data from the project is securely stored in partnership with Filecoin, ensuring its accessibility for future analysis. The goal of A Sign in Space is not only to decode a message but also to forge connections within the diverse global SETI community in preparation for the challenges posed by potential extraterrestrial contact.
