Game theory helps SETI search for alien civilizations
The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is mostly concerned with where to look for technosignatures from another civilization. Between 2012 and 2015, SETI's Project Phoenix targeted about 1,000 sun-like stars for signs of intelligent life. But where to look might not be as important as when to look, according to scientists at SETI.
Extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) research focuses on identifying signs of intelligent life beyond Earth, primarily through searching for technosignatures. The SETI Institute's Project Phoenix, conducted between 2012 and 2015, targeted around 1,000 sun-like stars for potential intelligent life signals. However, the researchers argue that timing may be as crucial as location in these searches.
In a new study, scientists from the SETI Institute and Breakthrough Listen explored the idea of searching for signals at an optimal time. The paper, titled "A Technosignature Survey Of The Anti-Solar Point: The SETI Institute s Largest-Ever Campaign With The Allen Telescope Array," was presented at the 77th International Astronautical Congress. The lead authors are Isabel Gerrard, a technosignature researcher at the University of Oxford, and Sofia Z. Sheikh, a SETI Institute research scientist.
The concept of searching at the antisolar point (ASP) emerged, an abstract point defined by changing coordinates that shifts as Earth orbits the sun. This point is directly opposite the sun from an observer's perspective. By identifying this Schelling point, a default solution both parties would naturally arrive at, SETI researchers believe they can increase the chances of detecting and communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
