Abstract We lack signs of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) despite decades of observation in the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Could evidence be buried in existing data? To recognize ETI, we first propose criteria discerning life from non-life based on thermodynamics and living systems theory. Then we extrapolate civilizational development to both external and internal growth. Taken together, these two trends lead to an argument that some existing binary stars might actually be ETI. Since these hypothetical beings feed actively on stars, we call them “stellivores”. I present an independent thermodynamic argument for their existence, with a metabolic interpretation of interacting binary stars. The jury is still out, but the hypothesis is empirically testable with existing astrophysical data.

    Graphical abstract Display Omitted

    Highlights Some binary stars are proposed to be manifestation of extraterrestrial intelligence. Thermodynamic and living systems criteria for discriminating life from non-life are presented and applied. The hypothesis is testable with existing astrophysical data.


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    Titel :

    Stellivore extraterrestrials? Binary stars as living systems


    Beteiligte:

    Erschienen in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 128 ; 251-256


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2016-06-19


    Format / Umfang :

    6 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch






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