World’s first extraterrestrial contact center opens in Czech Republic
BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC — The Czech Republic has taken a unique step in welcoming potential extraterrestrial visitors by opening its first Extraterrestrials Contact Center at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium.
While the initiative is primarily humorous, it aims to educate the public about unusual phenomena in the sky and promote scientific inquiry.
“We’ve created a special email for extraterrestrials to report their visit in advance,” said Jiří Dušek, director of the observatory, in an interview with Novinky.cz.
“For earthlings, we’ve launched a website where they can report anything unusual they see in the sky, including UFOs. We will then try to explain these phenomena.”
Origins in science fiction fandom
The concept for the contact center emerged from a sci-fi fan meeting during the Planet Brno Festival.
The festival, which took place two years ago, attracted over 5,000 enthusiasts who gathered around giant inflatable models of planets reminiscent of those in the Star Wars saga. This gathering sparked the idea of creating a welcoming point for extraterrestrial civilizations.
Welcoming extraterrestrial visitors
Extraterrestrial visitors will be greeted with a warm welcome that includes free Wi-Fi and access to all programs about space and cultural events.
“Representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations will receive a warm welcome,” Dušek added with a smile.
Upon arrival, visitors will also be met by two mini extraterrestrial figurines named Fegurds, crafted by sculptor Václav Sigerson Kostohryz. A third Fegurd statue is situated within the observatory itself.
Bridging the gap with technology
In an effort to improve relations with extraterrestrial civilizations further, astronomers from Brno are developing a special contact microchip. This microchip, containing messages from earthlings, will be placed on the upcoming BRNOsat mini-satellite, set to launch into Earth’s orbit.
Aleš Svoboda, the Czech backup astronaut for the European Space Agency, serves as the ambassador for this initiative, highlighting the country’s commitment to exploring the possibilities of extraterrestrial contact.
Blending humor with scientific education
While the contact center is rooted in humor, it serves a dual purpose of engaging the public with science and fostering curiosity about the universe.
By combining a playful approach with scientific outreach, Czechia’s Extraterrestrials Contact Center stands as a testament to the nation’s innovative spirit and openness to the unknown.
