Answer: The story is about the different ways scientists use maths. Vakoch said they don't need extra terrestrial to speak English or German so they need to look into mathematics.
He said even in 1820, the astronomers used geometry. One scientist suggested in drawing triangles. Another suggested in making a circle and filling it with kerosene so when lit, it can be seen from space at night.
Then they used the binary system and some codes to send messages. Then they used pictures and started with simple counting.