Abstract How can we determine the meaning of a message from a distant civilization if we do not have a common language? This paper presents a general technique and principles for decoding interstellar messages: First, find the dimension of the message. Prime numbers may be useful in determining the proportions of messages. Next, find the symbols. This can be done considering symbol types: delimiters, values, relationships, and functions. Then, find the symbol meanings. Features that can help in determining meaning include sub-symbolic type, redundant symbols, expression consistency, physics ratios, and physics expression patterns. Concepts in this paper can be used when a message from another civilization is received, or they can be used to create messages, which can teach communication theory concepts.

    Graphical abstract Display Omitted

    Highlights Messages use frequency, amplitude, polarization, phase, and duration of transmission. Find the dimension of the message, find the symbols, then find the symbol meanings. Finding the message dimension can be helped by using prime number proportions. Find symbols using delimiters, values, relationships, and functions. Find symbol meanings with physics ratios and physics expression patterns.


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    Title :

    How to decode interstellar messages


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 192 ; 77-81


    Publication date :

    2021-11-21


    Size :

    5 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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