In 1974 we transmitted a message toward the globular cluster M13 which is 21,000 ly away. What is one reason that this object was probably not ideal for sending a message to?
A) it is so far away that we will probably have stopped communicating before we receive and return signal
B) globular clusters contain young, high mass stars with insufficiently long main sequence lifetimes and hence are unsuitable places for life
C) the message will be absorbed by interstellar dust before it reaches the cluster
D) globular clusters contain, old, low mass stars with fewer heavy elements and hence are not ideal places for life

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Globular clusters contain old, low mass stars with fewer heavy elements, which makes them less likely to have planets with complex life forms. Therefore, it is less likely that there would be anyone to receive and understand our message.

In 1974 We Transmitted a Message Toward the Globular Cluster