Sub-Etha is a form of superluminal communication, or faster-than-light communication network. It was used throughout the Universe as a way for hitchhikers to communicate with passing spacecraft and to ask to be let on board. Ford Prefect was known to use it to aid his interstellar hitchhiking.
Contents
Usage
Sub-Etha is known to be used with two items of technology. The first is the Sub-Etha Sens-O-Matic, which is used to monitor the Sub-Etha signals of passing ships. The second is the Electronic Thumb which is a small device used to contact spaceships and connect with the crew on board.
Sub-Etha is also used throughout the Milky Way as a way of transmitting data, including news bulletins or updates to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Etymology
The name Sub-Etha is likely a reference to the aether (or ether), which what was once believed to be a kind of medium filling the Universe.
Appearances
Radio
Primary Phase
Secondary Phase
Book
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- Chapter 3
- The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
- Life, the Universe and Everything
- Chapter 2
