New Study Suggests Galactic Empires Could Hide in Center of Milky Way

For decades, scientists have grappled with the enigma of Fermi’s Paradox, which questions why we have not detected any signs of extraterrestrial civilizations despite the vastness of the universe. A recent study suggests that advanced civilizations may exist at the heart of our galaxy, potentially explaining their absence from our observations.

The research, conducted by Chris Reiss, an independent researcher, and Justin C. Feng, a postdoctoral researcher at the Central European Institute for Cosmology and Fundamental Physics, explores various scenarios in which civilizations could thrive in a relativistic universe. Their findings are detailed in the paper titled “Redshifted civilizations, galactic empires, and the Fermi paradox.”

This analysis builds upon the foundational assumptions of Fermi’s Paradox, particularly the idea that advanced civilizations will inherently seek to expand beyond their home planets. Many critics challenge this notion, arguing that the complexities of colonizing entirely alien environments make such expansion difficult. The study incorporates elements of General Relativity and applies concepts from the Kardashev Scale to propose that a Type II Civilization might inhabit the galactic core.

Researchers estimate that the Milky Way contains between 100 to 200 billion stars, with most hosting at least one planet. Given the universe’s age of 13.8 billion years, it is reasonable to posit that life has emerged numerous times throughout history. According to the Hart-Tipler Conjecture, if advanced civilizations did arise, they would have developed technologies for communication and space travel, enabling them to colonize the galaxy in a span of 650,000 to 2 million years.

The absence of evidence for extraterrestrial life has led to the conclusion that such civilizations may not exist. Nonetheless, Carl Sagan famously countered this viewpoint by arguing that “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

One key aspect of the study challenges the assumption that once civilizations colonize other worlds, they will endure indefinitely. This perspective contrasts with the insights from the Drake Equation, formulated by Frank Drake, which highlights the various factors influencing the existence of communicative civilizations.

Dr. Rebecca Charbonneau, a science historian, emphasizes that the longevity of civilizations, represented by the variable “L” in the Drake Equation, is critical to understanding the dynamics of extraterrestrial life. During a lecture at the 2023 Penn State SETI Symposium, she noted that the potential for self-destruction, especially in the context of nuclear technology, significantly alters our understanding of SETI.

The study by Reiss and Feng critically examines the implications of time dilation as described in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Time dilation complicates interstellar travel, as a vessel traveling at a significant fraction of the speed of light would experience different time frames compared to observers remaining on Earth. For example, a round trip to Proxima Centauri, located 4.25 light-years away, could take over 42.5 years for Earth observers, while only about 10 years would pass for the travelers.

The researchers propose a novel solution to the challenges of interstellar colonization by suggesting that civilizations may migrate into a time-dilated environment, such as an orbit around a supermassive black hole like Sagittarius A*. Living in this “red frame” would allow a civilization to experience time at a slower rate, providing a unique advantage for exploration and resource accumulation.

In their analysis, Reiss and Feng outline various scenarios for civilizations adapting to time-dilated environments. By living near a supermassive black hole, these civilizations could observe the universe’s evolution at an accelerated pace, enabling rapid advancements in technology and infrastructure.

This research also aligns with the Dark Forest Hypothesis, which posits that advanced civilizations may intentionally avoid detection to ensure their survival. As competition for resources intensifies, the fear of malevolent civilizations could lead to a preference for remaining hidden.

Conversely, the study raises the possibility that civilizations near the galactic core might take aggressive actions against those outside their red frame, echoing the Berserker Hypothesis. This theory suggests that advanced societies may deploy self-replicating probes to eliminate potential competition.

Despite these darker implications, Reiss and Feng remain optimistic about the potential for future discoveries. They propose that civilizations in orbit around supermassive black holes may inadvertently produce detectable signals. These signals could manifest as a downward frequency drift over time, offering a new avenue for SETI researchers to explore.

As the authors noted during their presentation at the 9th Interstellar Symposium in Austin, Texas, there is still much to investigate regarding the nature of life in the universe. Their findings suggest that uncovering the mysteries of our galaxy may hinge on understanding the unique environments at its center. The implications of this research invite further exploration and dialogue about our place in the cosmos and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

The ongoing quest for answers to Fermi’s Paradox continues, shaping our understanding of the universe and our role within it.