[Flick Lives]

erratic and non-repeating light variations seen in the star located nearly 1,500 light years from Earth

I don't think alien communication will involve using semaphores any more than it might involve using smoke signals. The whole concept of SETI is premised on listening at radio frequencies that happen to be less effected by background noise, but it assumes aliens would use radio wave transmissions at those frequencies. Obviously in this case a signal that takes 1,500 years to get here is pretty useless as a means of communication.

[Lx]

It depends on SETI’s goal.

If their detection of a signal means that in their minds, they’ve proved God doesn’t exist, objective achieved.

I’ll wait until the I’ve heard the ponderously pedantic explanation from Neil degrasse-Tyson to know what I think.

[onedoug]

Stupid aliens.

[JimRed]

Obviously in this case a signal that takes 1,500 years to get here is pretty useless as a means of communication.

Over interstellar distances, correct. But they could be 1500 year old sitcom broadcasts or weather reports!