On top of that, even in an advanced civilization that is monitoring life on another planet, the people likely have more than just science in their mind.
Then we chose a point that doesn’t line up with either the apsides or the solstices to represent “zero” and sticking with our mistake for primitive reasons like “tradition”.
We stick with it at this point because it’s not worth the hassle of changing it, and while points related to our axial tilt or the eccentricity of our orbit are less arbitrary it ultimately doesn’t matter. It is about the time that has passed and one point in the orbit is as good as another.
No, celebration of a completed orbit around our star does not mean we are idiots.
It means that we have managed to determine how long an orbit around the star takes, a significant scientific discovery.
I think the joke is that to the aliens, it is does not display a level of intelligence that comes anywhere close to theirselves.
Hyperintelligent aliens should understand that comedy shouldn’t punch down!
Especially hyperintelligent civilizations would recognize the acchivement, even if it isn’t on their level
On top of that, even in an advanced civilization that is monitoring life on another planet, the people likely have more than just science in their mind.
Then we chose a point that doesn’t line up with either the apsides or the solstices to represent “zero” and sticking with our mistake for primitive reasons like “tradition”.
We stick with it at this point because it’s not worth the hassle of changing it, and while points related to our axial tilt or the eccentricity of our orbit are less arbitrary it ultimately doesn’t matter. It is about the time that has passed and one point in the orbit is as good as another.