An advanced alien civilization may have found a way to steer their binary star system through the galaxy, a new study suggests. Instead of leaving their system behind, these aliens could accelerate their star in one direction by causing it to radiate or evaporate, moving the entire system to a new location.
The idea of alien civilizations propelling stars through the galaxy is not new, but this study offers a fresh perspective. The researcher, Clement Vidal, points out that most stars are part of binary systems, which could provide more opportunities for artificially accelerated stars than previously thought. By focusing on a model system with a neutron star and a low-mass star, Vidal demonstrates how this setup could offer flexibility in steerability and thrust.
To achieve this propulsion, the alien civilization would need to eject material from the star in a specific direction. This could be done through asymmetric magnetic fields or a device that causes uneven heating on the stellar surface. By carefully controlling the ejection of material, the aliens could steer their binary system in any direction they desire.
Real systems in the universe, such as the “black widow” pulsar and the “redback” pulsar, exhibit characteristics that align with this concept. While these accelerations are unlikely to be caused by alien engineering, they serve as examples of what to look for in the search for artificially accelerated stars.
Overall, this study opens up new possibilities for understanding how alien civilizations might navigate the vast distances of the galaxy. By harnessing the power of their own star, these advanced beings could explore new territories and potentially interact with other civilizations in the cosmos. The idea of intelligent aliens steering stars may sound like science fiction, but as we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, we may find more clues that point to the existence of such advanced civilizations.
