What's First 30 Earth Radio Years Going To Tell Aliens?

Question

If Aliens exist in our cosmos it is possible they will receive and decipher first 30 Earth radio years that are presently out-bound

from different transmitter locations. Identify one subject from

each 10 year period that could color perception of other beings.

Answer 1

There's a very good book on this subject: Diplomatic Act, by Peter Jurasik & William Keith, Baen Books, ISBN 0671877887.  Much of the book is written from the perspective of the aliens, and their scholarly attempts to unravel the purpose of television are absolutely hilarious!

Here's a taste:

"We have made some progress...through careful study of your educational programs." Thujan said.

"Educational programs," said Richard slowly. He hardly dared asked what these creatures called educational. "Like PBS? Or the Discovery Channel?"

"No," Thujan said, and Richard could have sword those weird red eyes were smiling at him..."No, I am referring, of course, to your soap operas."

"Soap operas!" Richard was horrified...and scandalized. "Soap operas aren't--"

"Having studied them for some time, we have finally determined that soap operas are detailed instructions in mating rituals. For educating your young, I assume?"

**

So, read the book and you'll have your answer. I can almost guarantee you this: the aliens are going to get our culture all wrong!