Xenoarchaeology and Exhumation
An interesting sub-discipline of archeology called xenoarchaeology has emerged. Xenoarchaeology deals with the physical remains of intelligent extraterrestrial cultures. While this concept has often fallen into the hands of science fiction authors, it will no doubt be taken much more seriously as astrophysicists continue to find more and more stars with hospitable planets. It is increasingly accepted that life can thrive in conditions previously thought impossible, opening up this realm of possibility even further.
As early as the 1600s, Johannes Kepler postulated that many features of the lunar landscape may be artificially constructed by an extraterrestrial intelligence. In the same vein, concealing astronomical suspicions and perhaps passing on hidden insider knowledge, Arthur C. Clarke wrote many science fiction novels positing the existence of intelligently designed obelisks scattered throughout the solar system. Closer to his death, when his career could not be threatened, Clarke made public statements about his positive belief in the evidence that ancient civilizations existed on Mars. Richard Hoagland currently leads the Enterprise Mission that seeks to investigate alien ruins on Earth’s moon, Mars, Jupiter’s moon Europa, and more celestial bodies. Erich Von Daniken, beginning in his book Chariot of the Gods and continuing through his massive series, presents alternative interpretations to many of the archaeological finds on this planet that suggest an ancient extraterrestrial astronaut paleocontact theory. Many more serious attempts have been made and will continue to be made to explore this new avenue of research as humanity’s technological progress increases the reach of human hands and tools.
Artifacts of non-human origin are expected to be found on planets, satellites, in the asteroid belt, or locked in orbit. More advanced and intelligent thinking has led some to look for these artifacts in asteroids passing through our system or in more peculiar places like Lagrange points. Lagrangian points are places in space near a massive body and its satellites where gravity and centripetal forces cancel each other for objects of negligible mass. This would allow small objects to rest in a geostationary orbit, where, relative to the planet and its satellites, it doesn’t move. One can ponder and think of many reasons why points in space like these would be advantageous for the location of advanced observing machinery. There are other loosely related attempts to find remnants of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. SETI (The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) features a huge variety of satellites hoping to intercept electromagnetic signals from distant cultures. Due to the great distances, any signal received would be from an ancient time, which would qualify SETI as a xenoarchaeological study.
Xenoarchaeology may be a study ahead of its time, drawing today’s ridicule from the narrow-minded, but the scientific paradigm is changing as some of Earth’s leading physicists are changing their minds and, as thought leaders, changing the spirit of the times for everyone. Even the Vatican has issued statements preparing people for the implications of extraterrestrial life on their belief system. Wonder and awe will abound if non-human artifacts are discovered. Total shock may be the alternative if the bodies of extraterrestrial beings are ever exhumed.
