> Are they exactly at our level of development?
If so, then at just 12ly away, we could converse with them within (many of) our lifetimes.
If so, then at just 12ly away, we could converse with them within (many of) our lifetimes.
They are either unevolved animals, or have already merged into the Great AI or whatever happens when intelligent species evolve.
Despite stellar levels of energy being emitted, this star itself was only detected in 2003. We have to use the Deep Space Network to communicate with probes light-hours away.
I'm no expert so it very well may be possible, but 12 LY is still Very far.
The main key difference is that the send/receive ends would be symmetric. DSN has to counterbalance the incredibly small size and power limits on the other end of its connections.