Imagining first contact with an alien civilization often sparks visions of groundbreaking communication. But what if our biological and cultural differences make understanding impossible? An alien species, shaped by environments and physics unlike our own, might have entirely distinct ways of perceiving reality. Their language, math, and even physics could be incomprehensible to us, posing a major challenge for meaningful dialogue.

This intriguing dilemma is explored in the recently published book Do Aliens Speak Physics? And Other Questions About Science and the Nature of Reality. Co-author Daniel Whiteson, a renowned particle physicist from the University of California, Irvine, emphasizes the complexity of interspecies communication. Whiteson, known for his work at CERN and popular science books, highlights how differences in perception and understanding could hinder contact with extraterrestrial life.

Whiteson’s interest in the philosophy of physics underscores the question: can we truly grasp the universe without human biases? According to expert studies, our understanding of physics is deeply rooted in human cognition, which might not align with alien perspectives. If aliens perceive the universe differently, establishing a common language could be impossible, raising profound questions about the nature of communication beyond Earth.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.