[tt] [arXiv] The Cepheid Galactic Internet

[Christian Weisgerber]

http://arxiv.org/abs/0809.0339

The Cepheid Galactic Internet
Authors: John G. Learned, R-P. Kudritzki, Sandip Pakvasa, A. Zee

Abstract: We propose that a sufficiently advanced civilization may
employ Cepheid variable stars as beacons to transmit all-call
information throughout the galaxy and beyond. One can construct
many scenarios wherein it would be desirable for such a civilization
of star ticklers to transmit data to anyone else within viewing
range. The beauty of employing Cepheids is that these stars can be
seen from afar (we monitor them out through the Virgo cluster), and
any developing technological society would seem to be likely to
closely observe them as distance markers. Records exist of Cepheids
for well over one hundred years. We propose that these (and other
regularly variable types of stars) be searched for signs of phase
modulation (in the regime of short pulse duration) and patterns,
which could be indicative of intentional signaling.

-- 
Christian "naddy" Weisgerber                          naddy at mips.inka.de