Astronomer Warns AI Progress could Led to Civilizational Collapse
WARSAW, Poland – November 17, 2025, 09:26:14 CET – Renowned astronomer Professor Aleksander Wolszczan has issued a stark warning about teh potential dangers of unchecked advancement in artificial intelligence, stating that civilization possesses the capacity for self-destruction. The comments, made amidst rapid developments in AI technology, underscore growing anxieties within the scientific community regarding the long-term implications of increasingly sophisticated systems.
Wolszczan, celebrated for his 1992 discovery of the first planets confirmed to orbit a pulsar, argues that humanityS relentless pursuit of scientific boundaries - while yielding remarkable discoveries like new planets and unraveling the mysteries of the universe – carries inherent risks. He emphasizes that the speed at which previously unimaginable technologies are becoming reality demands careful consideration of their potential consequences. The core concern isn’t the technology itself, but the possibility of losing control over systems with the capacity to make decisions impacting global stability.
“This is really happening,” Wolszczan stated, reflecting on the accelerating pace of innovation. He cautioned that the limits of what is considered impossible are shifting faster than many appreciate, and that this rapid change necessitates a proactive approach to mitigating potential existential threats.The professor’s warning joins a chorus of voices – including those of leading AI researchers – expressing concern about the potential for unintended consequences as AI systems gain greater autonomy and influence.
Wolszczan’s perspective, informed by a career spent exploring the vastness of space and the delicate balance of cosmic forces, suggests that humanity’s own ingenuity could ultimately prove to be its undoing if not tempered with foresight and responsible development. The implications extend beyond the realm of science, impacting policymakers, ethicists, and the public alike as society grapples with the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
