The universe presents significant challenges to encountering extraterrestrials, almost as if it is deliberately preventing first contact. The Arecibo observatory in Puerto Rico sent a radio message into space 45 years ago, marking the first attempt to connect with a civilization outside our galaxy. The message is en route to the M13 galaxy cluster, carrying data about Earth, its location, and the composition of DNA. The ultimate goal is to pose the question of whether we are alone in the universe.