Hitchhiking Across the Galaxy

Astronomers suggest a groundbreaking method for interstellar exploration—hitchhiking rides with fast-moving stars. Jonathan Carroll-Nellenback from the University of Rochester has developed a computer simulation showing how civilizations could expand across galaxies by utilizing the natural motion of stars.

The concept is straightforward: as a star system passes close to a settled planet, its gravity could allow civilizations to hop aboard and migrate to distant systems. Over time, this process could transform the galaxy into a network of interconnected settlements. For example, fast-moving stars near densely packed galactic centers could accelerate expansion rates, making interstellar travel more efficient.

Answering Fermi’s Question

The hitchhiking theory also revisits the famous Fermi Paradox—why haven’t we encountered extraterrestrial civilizations? Carroll-Nellenback’s model suggests civilizations might expand unevenly, leaving behind voids of unoccupied systems. Earth could currently reside in one of these voids. The finite lifespan of civilizations and settlements further complicates the picture, potentially leaving vast stretches of time where regions remain unsettled.

Geoffrey Landis’ percolation theory aligns with this concept, proposing that not every settlement spawns further colonization. Combined with the dynamic motion of stars, this creates a patchwork of occupied and unoccupied zones, explaining why we haven’t yet observed signs of extraterrestrial life.

Technology, Stars, and Survival

Technology plays a pivotal role in this galactic expansion. Faster spacecraft could allow humans to reach nearby stars ahead of stellar encounters, providing a head start. Simultaneously, advancing technology might make older starships obsolete, a phenomenon known as the “Incessant Obsolescence Postulate.”

For humankind, expanding into the galaxy could ensure the survival of the species. By spreading across multiple worlds, the risk of catastrophic extinction diminishes. Whether through hitchhiking with stars or launching spacecraft, this interstellar diaspora represents a new frontier in securing humanity’s future.