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June 10th, 2025
Image credits: (a) D. Knaub, (b) F. Nicklen, (c) D. Perrine, (d) W. Davis, (e) G. Flipse, (f) A. Henry, (g) M. Gaughan, (h) H. Romanchik, (i) D. Patton, (j) D. Perrine, (k) S. Istrup, (l) S. Hilbourne.
Studying the behavior of humpback whales is contributing to the study of non-human intelligence and is aiding the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
A team of scientists from the SETI Institute and the University of California at Davis have documented that humpback whales produce large bubble rings.
While this behavior may represent play or communications, those whale-produced bubbles cage prey, and also used when competing to escort a female whale.
Under the WhaleSETI project researchers have charted the actions of humpback whales that often exhibit inquisitive actions when approaching boats and swimmers while blowing bubble rings.
Two distinct and very different bubble structures, (a) bubble net and (b) bubble ring.
Image credit: (a) M. Van Aswegen/AWF); (b) D. Knaub.
Curious behavior
The WhaleSETI team is appraising intelligent, non-terrestrial (aquatic), nonhuman communication systems “to develop filters that aid in parsing cosmic signals for signs of extraterrestrial life,” explains a SETI Institute release.
“Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrial intelligence and life will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers,” said Laurance Doyle, SETI Institute scientist.
“This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behavior in humpback whales,” Doyle explains.
The late Frank Drake with cosmic equation to gauge the presence of intelligent life in the cosmos. The Drake Equation identifies specific factors believed to play a role in the development of civilizations in our galaxy.
Image credit: SETI Institute
Drake Equation
The mission of WhaleSETI is to systematically investigate and comprehend the intricacies of humpback whale communication. By doing so, according to the group, the research offers a unique avenue to contribute valuable data towards the determination of astronomer Frank Drake’s Equation Factor Fi: fi = the fraction of planets with life that go on to develop intelligent life (civilizations).
“Through rigorous empirical studies, acoustic analysis, and behavioral observations, we aim to unravel the complexities of humpback whale vocalizations, seeking to discern patterns, meanings, and potential modes of interspecies communication,” explains the WhaleSETI website.
“By integrating our findings into the broader context of Drake’s Equation, we aspire to advance our understanding of the factors influencing the emergence of communicative intelligence in extraterrestrial civilizations,” the website adds.
Image of humpback whale and human encounter.
Image credit: NOAA
Interdisciplinary approach
“Through this interdisciplinary approach, our mission is to make significant strides in the quest to comprehend the prevalence and nature of communicative signals in the cosmos, ultimately contributing to the ongoing exploration of the potential for extraterrestrial life,” the WhaleSETI group points out.
The study of animal communication challenges our ideas of intelligence and informs our search for life in the universe. Among the most fascinating of vocalizations are the songs and sounds of humpback whales.
Go to — “Humpback Whale Communication and the Search for Alien Intelligence” — at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CIcIZzz8B4
For more information, go to this podcast – “Blue Dot: Whale-SETI: a communications interaction with Twain the Humpback Whale” — at:
Also, go to this research paper – “Humpback Whales Blow Poloidal Vortex Bubble Rings” – at:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70026
Lastly, in related research, read my recent Space.com story – “Could deciphering dolphin language help us communicate with ET?” – at:
Posted in Space News
