Interstellar Communications: Present and Future

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Communication systems are indispensable for universal exploration. Exchange of information over short and large distances are crucial parts of human life and activities. On the ground and near-Earth celestial bodies, communication system infrastructures have steadily evolved over the decades. Super fast 5G networks are now available on the Earth surface, rovers on planet Mars 90 million kilometers away constantly send us photos and telemetry data while we tell it what to do remotely. We have always depended on spacecraft probes with reliable communication units to explore the farthest regions of our solar system. The mind-boggling span of the universe challenges the intending interstellar traveler. Distances to star systems of interests are extremely high: billions and trillions of kilometers. It appears that while a single traveler cannot achieve a return trip in his lifetime or generations, interstellar probes with advanced propulsion and communication systems can give a helping hand.
This seminar considers an interesting case of two friends Alice and Bob looking to get rich by mining Gold from a distant Earth-like plant Kepler-1649c. They both have to keep in touch while Bob takes on the voyage and Alice monitors the market situation on Earth. With current communication technology, they ran into a problem and Eve, an Alien eavesdropper makes mockery of them.
Near-term and futuristic interstellar communication concepts like solar gravitation lensing, optical-quantum entanglement, neutrino communications, and interstellar relay networks that could help Alice and Bob are presented.

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