What if........

Scientists have made an intriguing discovery: they have detected peculiar radio signals originating from deep space. These enigmatic radio waves could potentially be bursts of cosmic energy emanating from a distant neutron star. On the other hand, there is a possibility that these signals are evidence of an incredibly advanced civilization located 90 light years away from Earth. So, what kind of civilization could possess the capability to transmit such powerful signals? Scientists use a classification system known as the Kardashev scale to categorize civilizations based on their technological prowess in harnessing energy. Although this scale has hypothetical levels, most scientists refer to only the initial stages. Currently, we find ourselves at Type zero, as the only known civilization, with the ability to tap into a fraction of our planet's energy potential. Each year, we consume approximately 18 trillion watts of power, but in order to become a Type 1 civilization, we would need to consume over 500 times that amount every second.

To achieve this status, we would have to effectively harness, store, and utilize all available energy sources, including raw materials and solar power. Additionally, we would need to control natural forces such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and other elements. At our current rate of development, it's conceivable that we could become a Type 1 civilization within the next 200 years. However, the civilization that scientists may have discovered in deep space could already be at a Type 2 level or even higher.

Before contemplating the transition to a Type 1 civilization, it is crucial to take care of our planet. For instance, the Colorado River is experiencing severe depletion due to excessive water usage and the effects of climate change-induced drought. Lakes that were nearly full in 1999 are now only a quarter full. The Biden Administration, along with most affected states, has been working to reduce water consumption. However, the lack of cooperation from California, the largest consumer of water, is a cause for concern. Balancing water needs, especially in rapidly growing cities and agricultural regions, is challenging. Yet, since climate change affects us all, it is imperative that we intensify our efforts to conserve water and support leaders who are dedicated to addressing this crisis. Only then can we begin to plan how to harness the full energy potential of our planet.

Once we have effectively harnessed all available energy sources on Earth and reach Type 1 status on the Kardashev scale, the next step would be to elevate our energy consumption by a factor of 10 billion. To achieve this, we would need to harness not only the solar energy reaching Earth but also the total energy radiated by our star.

If there is indeed a Type 2 civilization out there, they would likely employ an extraordinary system called a Dyson Sphere to accomplish this feat. A Dyson Sphere is a megastructure constructed around a star to capture and utilize all of its emitted energy in every direction. Advanced civilizations could even construct additional Dyson Spheres around the initial one to ensure minimal energy escape. The construction of a Dyson Sphere is an incredibly complex undertaking, feasible only for highly advanced civilizations. For one, the Dyson Sphere must be larger than the star itself. Although these megastructures should be easily detectable due to their size, once completed, they block nearly all visible light emitted by the star, making the civilization's own solar system nearly invisible.

Fortunately, visible light is not the only means of detecting a star. Even with a Dyson Sphere obstructing its light, a star will still emit heat, which can be detected through infrared light. However, there are other potential ways to detect a civilization as advanced as a Type 2. Remember the strange radio signal originating from the star HD164595, located 90 light years away from Earth? If this powerful radio signal was deliberately sent by an alien race towards Earth, it indicates a civilization far more advanced than our own. A Type 2 civilization would be capable of utilizing the resources of all the planets within its star system and potentially beyond. They might construct fusion reactors orbiting their planet, powered by gases from other hydrogen-rich worlds. They could extract precious metals from rocky planets akin to Earth and even terraform other planets to make them habitable for their population. With advanced technology, they would have solutions to prevent catastrophic events such as asteroid impacts, ice ages, and global warming.

Such an alien civilization would have likely mastered interstellar travel at their position on the Kardashev scale. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they would immediately visit us. With their advanced technology, they might be waiting for us to catch up, so that when we eventually meet, it would be as equals. It is possible that they are so advanced that they have transcended traditional biological existence and evolved into cyborg-like beings, integrating both organic and robotic components. This would grant them extraordinary capabilities far beyond human imagination. But their ambition wouldn't stop there.

An advanced civilization of this nature would aspire to ascend to higher levels on the Kardashev scale. As a Type 3 civilization, they would depend on more than just the energy of their own star system. They would harness the power of numerous stars within their galaxy. With this immense power at their disposal, meeting their ever-growing energy needs would pose no challenge. Whenever additional power is required, they could simply connect to another star. If we were ever to reach this level, we would have access to 100 billion stars in the Milky Way alone. A civilization of this magnitude would undoubtedly become the dominant force in its galaxy, capable of moving entire star systems and merging them to more efficiently harness energy. Therefore, if such civilizations exist, their presence could be inferred by observing the sudden disappearance of multiple stars within a distant galaxy, indicating the construction of Dyson Spheres around not just one, but several stars. It is plausible that a Type 3 civilization already exists. Scientists have even announced the discovery of two galaxies exhibiting an exceptionally high level of infrared light, typically associated with the birth of new stars. However, unusual and sudden spikes in infrared emissions could indicate the existence of civilizations significantly more advanced than our own. Perhaps they are on the brink of making contact with us, or maybe they have already done so. However, this topic will have to be explored further in another "what if" scenario.