What Has SETI Ruled Out in the Search for Alien Civilizations?

  • Thread starter Rasalhague
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In summary, based on data from searches for radio signals, it is probably safe to say that the likelihood of another civilization with technology similar to our own existing within 10 light years, 100 light years, or 1000 light years of Earth is very small. However, this does not mean that such a civilization cannot exist, only that the odds are low.
  • #36
Yes Drakkith you have some good points there.

Dave
 
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  • #37
I think it fair to say Earth has enjoyed fortuitous circumstances, but, given a jillion galaxies out there, each with hundreds of billions of stars, I am not convinced it is unique.
 
  • #38
I have one question: how is it that a transmitter with a wider bandwidth gets a poorer reception from a distance? In the link quoted earlier,
Chronos said:

I can't really see, to begin with, where the "Bt" (transmitter bandwidth) is used in the formula for the reception range.

P.S.: I think the idea is that the "Br" (receiver bandwidth) has to be at least as wide as the "Bt"; and that noise depends on this receiver's bandwidth. But I didn't quite understand (being a layman in physics) this "Nyquist noise" equation; maybe someone can provide a link, more related to antennas than the Wikipedia page.
 
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  • #39
<h2>1. What is SETI and what is their goal in the search for alien civilizations?</h2><p>SETI stands for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and it is an organization dedicated to searching for signs of intelligent life in the universe. Their goal is to detect and potentially communicate with alien civilizations.</p><h2>2. What methods does SETI use in their search for alien civilizations?</h2><p>SETI primarily uses radio telescopes to scan the skies for potential signals from other civilizations. They also use optical telescopes to search for laser signals and other advanced technologies.</p><h2>3. Has SETI found any evidence of alien civilizations?</h2><p>As of now, SETI has not found any conclusive evidence of alien civilizations. However, they have detected some unusual signals and anomalies that are being further investigated.</p><h2>4. What has SETI ruled out in their search for alien civilizations?</h2><p>SETI has ruled out the possibility of receiving radio signals from civilizations that are too far away, as the signals would weaken and become undetectable. They have also ruled out the idea of using Earth-based telescopes to detect signs of alien life on other planets.</p><h2>5. What are some potential challenges in SETI's search for alien civilizations?</h2><p>Some challenges SETI faces include limited funding and resources, the vastness of space making it difficult to detect signals, and the possibility that other civilizations may not use the same methods of communication as humans.</p>

1. What is SETI and what is their goal in the search for alien civilizations?

SETI stands for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and it is an organization dedicated to searching for signs of intelligent life in the universe. Their goal is to detect and potentially communicate with alien civilizations.

2. What methods does SETI use in their search for alien civilizations?

SETI primarily uses radio telescopes to scan the skies for potential signals from other civilizations. They also use optical telescopes to search for laser signals and other advanced technologies.

3. Has SETI found any evidence of alien civilizations?

As of now, SETI has not found any conclusive evidence of alien civilizations. However, they have detected some unusual signals and anomalies that are being further investigated.

4. What has SETI ruled out in their search for alien civilizations?

SETI has ruled out the possibility of receiving radio signals from civilizations that are too far away, as the signals would weaken and become undetectable. They have also ruled out the idea of using Earth-based telescopes to detect signs of alien life on other planets.

5. What are some potential challenges in SETI's search for alien civilizations?

Some challenges SETI faces include limited funding and resources, the vastness of space making it difficult to detect signals, and the possibility that other civilizations may not use the same methods of communication as humans.

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