A new book titled Do Aliens Speak Physics? by physicist Daniel Whiteson and illustrator Andy Warner delves into the intriguing question of whether extraterrestrial beings understand physics in a manner similar to humans. Set to be published by W. W. Norton & Company on November 4, 2025, the book combines elements of science, philosophy, and humor to engage readers in a thoughtful exploration of potential alien civilizations and their scientific practices.
Whiteson, a particle physicist associated with CERN and the University of California, Irvine, aims to challenge the traditional assumption that the laws of physics are universally understood in the same way across the cosmos. He emphasizes that the way humans approach science may be deeply intertwined with our own cultural and historical context. “I wanted to push back on the idea that our physics is the only way,” he explained in a recent interview, adding that there might be significant differences in how other intelligent beings perceive and investigate the universe.
The Extended Drake Equation: Rethinking Alien Intelligence
At the heart of the book lies an expanded version of the Drake equation, a formula traditionally used to estimate the number of active extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way. Whiteson’s adaptation emphasizes that while life may exist elsewhere, it does not necessarily follow that such life would engage in scientific inquiry as humanity does. “We want to find intelligent aliens that do science the way we do so we can learn from them,” he noted, suggesting that the quest for communication with extraterrestrial beings is more complex than merely confirming their existence.
The book encourages readers to consider whether aliens possess a scientific mindset and whether they ask similar questions about the universe. Whiteson reflects on the philosophical implications of emergence—the idea that the universe can be understood through relatively simple mathematical frameworks. He wonders if aliens would arrive at the same fundamental truths or if they would have entirely different interpretations of reality.
Implications for Earthly Communication
Whiteson also raises an interesting point regarding communication with Earth’s own animal species as a preparatory measure for potential alien encounters. While some may argue that learning to communicate with dolphins or other intelligent animals has little relevance to extraterrestrial life, Whiteson believes these efforts can provide valuable insights. He remarked, “The fact that we’ve failed to communicate with those species tells us that we have a lot to learn about talking to other species.”
The book asserts that successful interspecies communication on Earth could set a foundation for future attempts to communicate with alien civilizations, should they exist.
While the ideal scenario involves engaging in a meaningful exchange of ideas with extraterrestrial beings, Whiteson acknowledges the challenges. He humorously describes a worst-case scenario where humans might find themselves alone at an intergalactic science conference, with no other civilization sharing their scientific inquiries. “It would be unfortunate,” he stated, adding that the discovery of aliens with entirely different scientific frameworks could lead to important revelations about humanity itself.
Whiteson concludes that the search for intelligent life beyond Earth may indeed reflect humanity’s desire for validation. “On one hand, we want to find aliens similar to us, because it validates us. On the other hand, that discovery would make us less special,” he said. Regardless of the outcome, he remains enthusiastic about the possibilities, advocating for continued exploration of the cosmos.
With its blend of humor, philosophy, and scientific inquiry, Do Aliens Speak Physics? promises to offer readers a rich and engaging perspective on one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe, and if not, how will we relate to those who might share it?
