Scientists have been exploring ways of beaming messages from Earth to aliens in the hope of the ultimate callback are even considering Wikipedia to help them understand human life, but the renowned physicist has disapproved the move, saying that it could lead to catastrophe, the Daily Star reported.
Hawking said that "If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans."
The idea, which is the brainchild of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute in California, involves powerful radio telescopes which will send the data to nearby stars and planets.
Seth Shostak of Seti, who was also the science advisor on the film 'Battleship' said that they were planning to pick star systems within 20 light years, of which there were several hundred, so they were near enough to answer in a reasonable time.
However, US scientist and Nasa consultant David Brin has warned that contact with aliens would "transform human destiny, and that the it should only be conducted if the entire world is onboard.
