[ExI] SETI reviews the Drake equation

[Stuart LaForge]

Quoting David Lubkin:

>  Stuart LaForge wrote:
>
>> The math on this doesn't seem to be working out.
>
> Let us imagine that it does eventually. Will there come a time in our
> Kardashev rise when we can intentionally engineer such a galactic
> life catalyst?

If we succeed in becoming a type III civilization, such a feat would  
be possible. To harness the entire energy of a galaxy would entail  
being able to control and manipulate the supermassive black hole(s) in  
the galactic nucleus. I have no idea how such a civilization could do  
so but maybe if we get a working theory of quantum gravity a solution  
would become apparent.

> Are there any advantages to creating life that way over engineering
> it from orbit or surface? How about if we could make a galactic
> life-bringing beam steerable?

Being able to aim the radio jets of super massive black hole might  
allow a civilization to spark life on other worlds if liquid water and  
organic compounds are already present. But using the black hole's  
radio/EM beam would be inefficient energy-wise if most planets in the  
galaxy are incapable of supporting life. In such a case seeding life  
from orbit around a planet or other more targeted methods would likely  
lead to better, more predictable results.

The black hole's beam would likely be better suited to drive light  
sails to allow high speed colonization and travel to other galaxies  
provided the beam was steerable.

Stuart LaForge