In one of my recent Environmental Humanities classes, we had a thought-provoking discussion about what we would include on the Golden Record if aliens were to discover the Voyager spacecraft ... For those who don’t know, the Golden Record was launched in 1977 with NASA’s Voyager missions, packed with sounds, music, and images to represent Earth’s diversity.
The Original Golden Record: A Snapshot of Humanity
The Golden Record is a treasure trove of sounds, music, and images designed to represent humanity and our planet. It includes classical music from Bach and Beethoven, folk songs from around the world, and natural sounds like bird songs, thunder, and even a kiss. There are also images showcasing humanity’s achievements, from anatomy and architecture to the evolution of humans and the structure of DNA, as well as greetings in around 50 languages. To help extraterrestrial finders decode its contents, the record’s cover includes instructions in a universal scientific language. Using binary code and diagrams, it explains how to play the record, the correct rotation speed, and how to view the encoded images. It even features a “cosmic address,” pinpointing Earth’s location in the universe relative to pulsars.
My Pick: "We Are One (Ole Ola)" by Pitbull
If we were to send a new Golden Record into space today, I’d include “We Are One (Ole Ola)” by Pitbull. Why? It’s not just a catchy anthem, it’s a celebration of global unity. While the original Golden Record included a photo of sprinters at the London Olympics, “We Are One” captures something deeper: how football (soccer) brings people together across borders. With lyrics like “One love, one life, one world, one fight”, it delivers a powerful message: despite our differences, we all share this planet, and we can come together in moments of joy, like during the World Cup, an event watched by over 4 billion people.
The current Golden Record doesn’t include video, but with today’s technology, yet I am sure the scientists of today could surely find a way to incorporate it. The music video for “We Are One” takes the message even further, showing the best of humanity. Bursting with vibrant colors and flags from around the world, it highlights football’s power to unite people from all walks of life. Whether it’s kids playing in the streets or massive crowds in stadiums. Featuring superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, it reminds us how certain individuals and moments can inspire us all, no matter where we’re from. What’s so special about World Cup songs like “We Are One”, “Waka Waka”, or “Wavin’ Flag” is how they capture humanity’s ability to unite despite economic, social, or racial divides. Even in a world often filled with hate, these songs remind us there’s also an overwhelming amount of love and connection waiting to be celebrated.
More Fun Idea's for the Golden Record
While music would be my choice, adding a dance video to the Golden Record would be an incredible way to showcase another side of human creativity. In class, we talked about including a clip of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, which would not only highlight an iconic moment in dance history, but also add a touch of humor. My professor brought up the fact that it would be so silly to imagine aliens trying to figure out why humans seem to glide backward, confused about which direction we walk in! It would be a fun, playful addition that reminds us how art and movement are essential parts of human culture.
Beyond music and dance, there are so many fascinating ideas for what else could be added. Some suggest more modern music genres, like electronic or hip-hop, to reflect the evolution of global culture. Others propose more environmental sounds, like the calls of endangered species or the melting of glaciers, to showcase Earth’s beauty and fragility. Including glimpses of our digital age, such as the internet or AI, could also be intriguing, though it might be a challenge to upload servers onto a record heading into space! One idea that really stood out in class was showcasing medical innovations. For example, including photos of prosthetics like running blades for athletes, would show how humans overcome challenges and adapt. Imagine aliens seeing this and wondering what purpose these incredible tools serve. It would also highlight the diversity within humanity, not just in culture but in abilities. Sharing these stories would send a powerful message: having a disability doesn’t limit potential; it’s possible to achieve anything with creativity and resilience.
A Message of Unity and Hope
For me, though, “We Are One” perfectly captures what I want to say to any potential alien life out there: Despite the challenges we face, humanity can find ways to unite and share joy. It’s a reminder that, even in a divided world, we can still come together over something as simple as a sport. If nothing else, I think it’d be cool to send a message of hope and connection into the stars.
Comments