Science
Scientists Explain Mystery Behind Giant “Smoke Rings” Seen Worldwide—It’s Not Alien Tech
Many’smoke’ rings have been observed in the world’s waters, and a recent study indicates that they may aid in our quest for extraterrestrial life.
These rings are actually comprised of bubbles that humpback whales are blowing away, not smoke at all.
Although these rings are much larger and remain in the water for longer, they behave eerily like the ‘Os’ or rings blown by a human smoker.
With the enormous circular shape visible to people swimming or sailing by, it is hypothesised that the marine critters’ movements could constitute a pleasant engagement with humans.
They might be an expression of curiosity, and they might even help people find extraterrestrial life.
Researchers at the University of California and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute have published their findings in the journal Marine Mammal Science, and they think these indicators are encouraging even if they have only been observed in an ocean setting.
Although humpback whales are known to utilise bubbles as tools, such as to herd fish or create bubble trails to attract mates, the study claims that this new behaviour has nothing to do with the whales’ dietary or reproductive patterns.
It suggests that they are attempts to communicate with humans, as co-lead author Dr Fred Sharpe explained: “Humpback whales live in complex societies, are acoustically diverse, use bubble tools and assist other species being harassed by predators.”
“Now, akin to a candidate signal, we show they are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication,” the UC Davis Affiliate added.
In a study titled “Humpback Whales Blow Poloidal Vortex Bubble Rings,” researchers examined 12 cases in which 11 unique whales from throughout the world displayed the activity. In each case, the whales approached the onlookers to discharge a total of 39 bubble rings.
The goal of this new study, which is a component of the WhaleSETI project, is to better interpret future signals from extraterrestrial life by concentrating on non-human intelligence.
According to scientists, knowing how non-human, extraterrestrial creatures exhibit curiosity or other emotions will help us better grasp any potential alien intelligence in the future.
Dr. Laurance Doyle, a physicist and co-author at the SETI Institute, says these findings may help us better understand communication from extraterrestrial intelligence.
“Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence is that extra-terrestrial intelligence and life will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers,” he added.
According to Dr. Doyle, the evolution of humpback whales’ “curious behaviour” “supports” this theory.
Co-lead author Jodi Frediani pointed out the ‘friendly behaviour’ from humpback whales to humans, explaining, “We’ve now located a dozen whales from populations around the world, the majority of which have voluntarily approached boats and swimmers blowing bubble rings during these episodes of curious behaviour.”
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