Look For Extraterrestrial Civilizations (Don't Just Listen)

  • Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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In summary, Luc Arnold's paper suggests that large artificial objects transiting in front of a sun could be used as a way to send attention-getting signals to intelligent aliens. However, the cost and trouble of searching for these signals makes this idea seem less likely. Additionally, the professor's theory about the varying radio/TV waves produced by the population is not based on evidence, and may be too speculative for our current technology.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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Should we be looking for extraterrestrial civilizations, rather than just listening for them, as we do in the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project? That is the suggestion of a French astronomer, Luc Arnold, in his paper Transit Lightcurve Signatures of Artificial Objects. He believes that the transit of large artificial objects in front of a sun could be a used for the emission of attention-getting signals. [continued]
http://space.com/businesstechnology/technology/technovel_ringworld_050415.html
 
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  • #2
How would we exactly go about convincing the governments and the public that their tax dollars would be wisely spent on looking for extraterrestrial civilzation? Do we even posess the technology required to look for these extraterrestrials?
 
  • #3
I think I heard once someplace that after the USA dropped the a-bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki there where like a ton of ufo sightings.well this may make sense because the a bomb sent a energy wave through the universe. Maybe it got some attention and the "aliens" came to see how advanced we've become?Interesting thought anyhow but maybe we won't have to look for them
 
  • #4
universe internet

If a quantum wave can occur across the whole universe at the same time, then if we can build a quantum wave generator and reciever, we could have the means of instant conact to the entire universe, practically like messaging God. I am sure the aliens would leave a certain wavelength open with no traffic for all the newbie civilisations to get their logon details.

Why limit ourselves to an unlikely speed of light search?
 
  • #5
Whoa, Kolya. That's a big asperation.
 
  • #6
That is so much more trouble and more expensive than using radio telescopes they'd have to be pretty dumb aliens.

I had this astro prof in college (actually head of department) who had this really wacky theory about seeing ET civilisations. Something about the radio/TV waves of the population varying in a regular way we could detect and differentiate from natural events. He spent a lot of time in the course on this. I thought it was bizarre, and certainly based on a lot of speculation and very little evidence it could work. This is BRILLIANT compared to that!
 
  • #7
Looking for ET

Ivan Seeking asks:
"Should we be looking for extraterrestrial civilizations, rather than just listening for them, as we do in the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project?"

Somewhere in these forums there is a thread that talks about how supernova are needed for the evolution of life. There is an interesting article about this at Near-Earth Supernovae.

What the article does not say is that supernovae would also be needed for the development of civilization, once life evolved. Civilization would need the heavier elements produced by supernovae.

So I am wondering if we should not search (listen) within other bubbles (as described in the article) first. Perhaps we could target the closer areas of the sphere produced by examing areas approximately 450 light years from Sco-Cen, first to locate other bubbles, and then to listen within those regions.
 

Related to Look For Extraterrestrial Civilizations (Don't Just Listen)

1. What is the purpose of looking for extraterrestrial civilizations?

The purpose of looking for extraterrestrial civilizations is to expand our understanding of the universe and potentially make contact with other intelligent life forms. It could also provide insight into the origins and evolution of life on other planets.

2. How do scientists look for extraterrestrial civilizations?

Scientists use a variety of methods to look for extraterrestrial civilizations, including listening for radio signals, searching for signs of advanced technology, and analyzing data from space telescopes. They also look for potential Earth-like planets that could support life.

3. What are some potential signs of extraterrestrial civilizations?

Potential signs of extraterrestrial civilizations could include radio signals, unusual patterns of light and energy, or evidence of advanced technology. Scientists also search for biosignatures, such as the presence of oxygen or methane, which could indicate the presence of life on other planets.

4. How likely is it that we will find extraterrestrial civilizations?

It is difficult to determine the likelihood of finding extraterrestrial civilizations because we have limited knowledge of the universe and the potential for life on other planets. However, with advances in technology and ongoing research efforts, the chances of finding evidence of extraterrestrial life are increasing.

5. What are the potential implications of discovering extraterrestrial civilizations?

The discovery of extraterrestrial civilizations could have a profound impact on our understanding of the universe and our place in it. It could also raise questions about the nature of life and the potential for intelligent civilizations to exist elsewhere. Additionally, it could lead to new advancements in technology and potentially even collaboration with other civilizations.

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